Record Pollen Count Run Ends

The streak of all-time-record pollen counts in metro Atlanta ended this morning.

The count from the in Marietta was only 5,174 particles per cubic meter of air.

Sure, that's still more than triple the level considered "extremely high" for tree pollen, but it's well below , which broke .

Today's yellow dusting comes courtesy of birch, mulberry, oak and pine trees, as well as grass and sheep sorrel/dock weeds, Atlanta Allergy says.

Though allergies are not reportable to public health departments, local health officials have a few tips from those who may be affected by the pollen.

"Take measures to reduce exposure to pollen, especially if you have asthma, COPD or other lung-related problems. These include paying attention to pollen level announcements and, on high pollen count days, keeping windows closed—with the air conditioning on when it’s warm—and changing activities such as exercising outside to doing something active indoors,” said Logan Boss, public information officer for Northwest Georgia Public Health. “Air conditioning is a good line of defense — in cars as well as homes."

Relief from the allergens could come Friday, when thunderstorms are likely, the National Weather Service says. Until then, gesundheit.