Weather Insider: Is spring starting earlier or later across the US and how will it affect allergy season?

Spring began last week on March 20th, astronomically speaking, anyway. But Mother Nature doesn't follow such a regular schedule. Depending on where you are in the country, spring begins at different times. For instance, Miami sees spring start much earlier than Indianapolis. The USA National Phenology Network tracks the start of spring with their "Spring First Leaf Index".

The USA National Phenology Network tracks the onset of spring by looking at when the first leaves appear on honeysuckle and lilac plants, as they are among the first plants to sprout new leaves. Of course, an earlier onset of spring means a longer allergy season. The Coachella Valley thankfully doesn't have to deal with as much pollen as areas like the south. However, the dust we occasionally breathe in can lead to similar allergy symptoms.