The mixed bag of warm and cold weather early this spring has delayed many plants from blooming at the right time.

David Trinklein, an associate professor of plant science at MU, said plants are prompted to bloom with warm moisture and low humidity, but cold, rainy weather has slowed down the process.

That means more pollen in the air for a lot longer, since the allergy season will stick around for as long as the plants need to bloom.

"So as the various trees and shrubs are coming out of dormancy, the first order of business for them is to bloom, and that's why we get so much pollen this time of year," Trinklein said.

Doctors say pollen is not the only problem. Mold, dust mites, and many environmental contaminants cause problems only made worse by recent rain.

Nicole Aritzmendi, an MU freshman, is used to dealing with her seasonal allergies.

"I try to stay away from being outdoors, not going on the trail during these times, because it will get really bad, like my nose," Aritzmendi said.

The peak of allergy season is not until late August, when ragweed spreads for several weeks.

Doctors suggest allergy sufferers prepare for the season ahead by putting in good furnace filters to stop pollen from getting into their homes. Additionally, doctors recommend taking medications as early as two weeks before the season starts, regularly rinsing nasal passages with nasal sprays, and visiting a physician if nasal steroids become necessary.

The good news, Trinklein said, is the allergy season ought to be short lived for those with allergies to woody species.

And what's the bad news?

"Those folks who suffer from grass and other things, we're just now getting into that," Trinklein said. "That, unfortunately, is going to last the entire growing season."