Raleigh set a new record for tree pollen on April 1, smashing a previous record from 2010

Raleigh's pollen counts this past week hit record levels not seen in more than a decade, according to data collected by the state .

Why it matters: Triangle residents might have to get used to worsening pollen seasons in the coming years.

The big picture: Climate change and warmer springs are causing plants to produce higher concentrations of pollen for longer periods of time, Kelly Oten , an assistant professor and extension specialist at the N.C. State's College of Natural Resources, said last year .

• Spring allergy season is now starting about 20 days earlier compared to 1990, and pollen concentrations have grown 20% nationwide over the same period, the New York Times reported .

Driving the news: The N.C. Division of Air Quality's pollen monitoring system reported tree pollen grain levels of 16,284 between 9am on March 31 and 9am on April 1.

• That blew away the previous record of 10,995 on April 6, 2010.
• The Division of Air Quality monitors pollen levels from a collection point in Raleigh between February and October.

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