ISLAMABAD – Recent rainfall in the capital has provided relief to allergy sufferers by significantly lowering pollen concentration in the air.

On Monday, Islamabad’s H-8 sector recorded a dangerously high pollen count of 13,774 per cubic meter, posing severe health risks to allergy patients. However, intermittent rain reduced the count to 5,249 on Tuesday, though it remains high enough to affect sensitive individuals.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), other areas also saw a decline in pollen levels. In G-6, the count dropped from 5,623 to 2,471, while in E-8, it fell from 5,148 to 2,253. Similarly, F-10 recorded a decrease from 3,159 to 1,341.

The most common pollen sources in Islamabad include Paper Mulberry, Acacia, Eucalyptus, Pines, Grasses, Cannabis, Dandelion, and Alternaria. Among these, Paper Mulberry remains the highest contributor, with a count of 4,893, classified as “very high.” Other notable pollen levels include Pines (172), Grasses (93), and Cannabis (63), all considered high.

Health experts advise people with pollen allergies to take necessary precautions, as concentrations are still significant despite the rain-induced decrease.