Cedar Fever Hits Hard As Pollen Levels Soar In Oklahoma

It may be winter, but allergies are in full force across Oklahoma this week. If you're sensitive to cedar, then it may be a good idea to limit time outdoors and keep windows shut as cedar pollen is expected to increase exponentially this week across Oklahoma.

Warm, dry and windy conditions are amplifying mountain cedar pollen across Oklahoma this week. Those who are allergic to cedar pollen will be at a high risk for cedar fever this week. Symptoms of cedar fever are very similar to spring allergies, but since the mountain cedar pollen grains are small and easier to inhale, it makes the symptoms even worse.

So Oklahoma feels like spring and residents are sneezing like everything is in full bloom.

Ashe juniper release pollen during the late winter.

The culprit for all this pollen is the Ashe juniper, which releases huge amounts of pollen during the late winter. If you've never seen an Ashe juniper release pollen, it's like seeing the tree blow up.

@laceyswopewx THIS is why your allergies are going nuts! Cedar season in Oklahoma. #oklahoma #meteorologist #allergyseason #cedartrees #yuck ♬ original sound - Lacey Swope

Ashe junipers are native to Oklahoma.

Ashe junipers are native evergreen trees in Oklahoma, and are mostly located in the Wichita Mountains and the Arbuckle Mountains. Most of Oklahoma is infected with the pollen as the wind blows it down the plains.

READ MORE: Oklahoma's Severe Weather Season Is Ramping Up In January

Oklahoma currently has some of the highest levels of cedar pollen in the United States.

According to the Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic, cedar pollen is high once again across Oklahoma on Tuesday, Jan. 6. Oklahoma and Texas are reporting some of the highest levels of cedar pollen across the United States.

Cedar pollen levels may die down as Oklahoma receives rain. But the state typically experiences peak cedar pollen during the months of January and February.