With spring underway in Maine and summer just around the corner, experts say the pollen and allergy season in the state is worse than normal this year.

“Statewide, Maine had one of its warmest winters and springs on record with above normal temperatures,” said Spectrum News meteorologist Reid Lybarger. “So it allows growing seasons to be longer, and allergies to be more intense.”

Pollen.com has placed Maine in its medium category for its interactive allergy map in terms of severity, ranging between 4.9 and 7.2.

States like New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut are seeing a higher allergen severity, being placed in the medium-high category ranging between 7.3 and 9.6.

The website also highlights some of Maine’s current allergen producers, specfically oak, maple and birch.

However, this does not account for the other kinds of allergens we are going to see over the next several months.

“Maine has different pollen allergies during different times of the year,” said Lybarger. “In the spring, tree allergies are most severe, especially oak, birch and maple. Summer allergy season peaks in June, and mostly consists of grass allergies. This time of year, grass allergies become more intense.”

Lybarger offered tips on how to navigate this year’s pollen season and deal with the allergens that come with it.

“Pollen counts are highest in the morning and lowest during the evenings,” said Lybarger. “So get your errands and yard work done later in the day if possible.”

He also recommends running your air conditioning and wearing a mask, so pollen does not get into your nose and mouth.

The last thing Lybarger mentions is taking anti-allergy medications whenever possible.

“Over-the-counter medications like Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec or Flonase will help reduce symptoms,” said Lybarger.