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SACRAMENTO –

Despite some trees blooming ahead of schedule because of a warm winter, this year’s allergy season may turn out to be mild for many sufferers.

Grass pollen is the major allergen that affects patients in Sacramento, according to Dr. Stephen Nagy, a Sutter allergist.  The grass allergy season may be weaker this year because a lack of water may prevent grasses from flourishing, Dr. Nagy told FOX40.

Trees are a different story.  The ones that are blooming now, such as magnolia and flowering cherry, are not the type that typically cause allergy symptoms.  But pollen from trees like elm, ash and oak is a common allergen.

Winter rain usually helps keep allergy season at bay by washing pollen out of these trees.  If the Sacramento region does not receive more rain soon, tree allergy season will ramp up.