AUSTIN (KXAN) – After sporadically showing up at very low levels over the past two weeks, weather conditions are allowing cedar pollen to reach the “high” category for the first time this season.

 On Thursday, 711 grains per cubic meter of air were counted under the microscope at Allergy and Asthma Associates Thursday, a huge increase from Wednesday’s count of 22. The expectation is that both cedar and mold will be in the high range on Friday.

This is a sign of things to come for allergy sufferers, as cedar pollen levels are consistently high during January, peaking late in the month.

Those with cedar allergies are encouraged to follow their doctors instructions to minimize the sometimes debilitating effects of cedar pollen. Steroidal nasal sprays and antihistamines are often prescribed for relief.