Analysis of meteorological drivers during the explosive growth process of airborne allergenic pollen

HU Zhi-yi; SUN Zhao-bin; ZHANG Yu; ZHANG Han; MA Feng; ZHANG Yong; TANG Yuan

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China Environmental Science ›› 2026, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (1) : 503-514.

Environmental Toxicology and Environmental Health

Analysis of meteorological drivers during the explosive growth process of airborne allergenic pollen

HU Zhi-yi¹, SUN Zhao-bin², ZHANG Yu¹, ZHANG Han¹, MA Feng³, ZHANG Yong⁴, TANG Yuan¹

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Abstract

Meteorology is a known driver of pollen concentrations, using Yulin City in Shaanxi Province—a hotspot for pollen allergies in China—as a case study, this research integrates 2019~2021 pollen concentration data and meteorological observations. Through statistical analysis and synoptic diagnosis, we investigate the meteorological drivers of an explosive pollen surge from August 4~7, 2021. Key findings reveal:Pollen concentrations in Yulin show a clear bimodal seasonality with spring and autumn peaks. Anther dehiscence in Artemisia ordosica is triggered by rising temperature and low huidity, with winds of 1.5~3.0m/s being optimal for dispersal. Enhanced near-surface winds during the event facilitated local dispersion, but shifting wind directions impeded stable transport pathways, promoting localized accumulation. Synoptic diagnosis shows that a transition from upper-level through to a ridge, combined with mid-low-level anticyclonic activity, was critical. This pattern promoted subsidence, which suppresses atmospheric diffusion by reducing boundary-layer height and forming temperature inversions. Total cloud cover modulates surface radiation budgets and vertical motions, thereby influencing boundary-layer thermal structure. The key driver of the diurnal peaks was the synergy between periods of low cloud cover (<2oktas) and boundary-layer compression.

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airborne pollen / explosive growth / meteorological factors / sinking movement / inversion temperature

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HU Zhi-yi, SUN Zhao-bin, ZHANG Yu, ZHANG Han, MA Feng, ZHANG Yong, TANG Yuan. Analysis of meteorological drivers during the explosive growth process of airborne allergenic pollen[J]. China Environmental Science. 2026, 46(1): 503-514

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