ISLAMABAD : The total pollen concentration in the capital increased further, reaching 74,301 particles per cubic metre.

The present weather is conducive as the days are warm and nights cool with soft winds.

The cool nights help the flowers to maintain their freshness, while the warm sun provides energy to the flora and fauna to produce higher pollen grains and spores. The medium intensity wind spreads them to a wider area.

The total pollen concentration in Islamabad last week was 72,743 grains per cubic metre.

The very high pollen release is mainly due to the blooming of paper mulberry, followed by grass and pine trees but their pollen concentration was under the high and moderate categories.

With, dry conditions prevailing in most parts of the country, including the twin cities, pollen count is likely to rise in the coming days.

Meanwhile, a shallow westerly wave is entering the western and upper parts of the country, which is expected to keep the nights cool in the coming days.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2017