>>> we have been reported for days on end about the freakish warm weather that has enveloped so much of the country so early in the season like 85 degrees in chicago, but of course, there are downsides, especially for the 60 million americans who suffer from allergies. our report tonight from nbc's chris jansen.
>> in atlanta, it's never been this bad. allergies are sending sufferers to the doctors, drivers to the car wash. yesterday, pollen counts broke all records. knl i have never seen anything like this. we're seeing patients coming in with terrible symptoms.
>> this machine quantifies pollen in the air, typical this time of year, a reading of 2000. the new record, dangerously-high, almost 9,400. the same story plying out across huge swaths of the competent untry. they're sieeing it in chattanooga chattanooga.
>> and feeling it in charlotte.
>> just really stuffy.
>> both have the dubious distinction of being among the worst cities for spring allergies. gorgeous trees like this are among the culprits. first a warm winter now record high warm temperatures which means pollen is released much sooner and much more of it. not all pollen is created equal. pine tree pollen can build up on your car, but far worse is microscopic oak tree pollen. this year, it's affecting patients that have never been affected before, and all this misery can have serious consequences for people with asthma. this suburbant atlanta school may have just the right idea, closer doors and windows tight to keep the pollen out. experts say common sense like staying indoors and over the counter medications can go a long way. though this year, more of us may need a trip to the doctor because what looks so good can feel really bad.
