Recent weather in the Ozarks have caused an increase in mold around the Ozarks, spiking reports of especially bad allergies this spring.
What We Know: Because of the recent rain and lack of strong wind in the area, mold has been thriving. The repeated days of rain and no wind to dry out surfaces, the mold has been growing and has not been stopped.
What It Means: More rain is on its way, meaning the mold may continue to grow freely. The scattered showers may provide temporary relief, but mold spores will be active again once it stops.
What Remains Unclear: We do not know exactly what the weather will do the rest of this week and going into next. Allergy season in the Ozarks can run into November, meaning we do no know for certain when relief will come.
What You Can Do: Though we cannot control the weather, the best way to keep allergies at bay is keep your home from being humid. Running the air conditioning or using a dehumidifier can help reduce humidity inside. Keeping doors and windows shut on humid days can help keep levels low enough to prevent mold growth.
(Graphic Courtesy of Springfield-Greene County Health Department)