Spring is finally here. We can all put away our heavy sweaters, coats and boots. Just kidding, in Texas, we know that is not the case. The weather here can change drastically from warm and pleasant to rainy and cold, even hailing the next. In Texas, we never know what to expect when it comes to weather, so we learn to prepare for everything.
Ideal spring-like temperatures are not realistic in other parts of the country either. Severe quarter-sized hail covered parts of Florida this past Saturday. The north and northeast are expected to experience Arctic air this coming weekend, with temperatures 15 to 30 degrees lower than normal.
Snow is moving through the Rockies and Northern Plains. In fact, states in the Northwest are expected to see up to two feet of snow.
Severe thunderstorms, hail, and damaging wind gusts, are expected to hit midwest and southern states. There is a 90 percent chance of rain Wednesday in Dallas, so make sure to pack your umbrella and rain boots.
The high pollen count is also something to be aware of this spring, which can account for awful allergies. According to accuweather.com, pollen levels in grass and trees are moderate for Dallas this week. However, these moderate levels can be enough to cause sneezing, runny nose, hoarse throat and watery eyes for students. Although we cannot avoid the pollen as we travel from class to class, there are a couple methods to relieving allergy symptoms, according to claritin.com:
1. Plan for outside activities later in the day: pollen peak production is usually early in the morning, so try to avoid being outside these times of day.
2. If you’ve been outside for a while, after a jog, workout class or walking your dog, change clothes and take a quick shower if time permits. Pollen will collect on your clothes and eventually build up. The faster you get rid of it, the better chances you have of not being bothered by the pollen.
3. Keep windows up while driving and set the A/C on “recirculate.” Also make sure to keep the windows closed at home and change the air filter often.
