Like a dusting of snow, tree pollen has covered much of North Carolina this week after a quick transition from winter into a warm spring.

Pollen levels in North Carolina reached record highs this week, with the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Air Quality Division recording the highest concentrations since air quality agencies started measuring pollen in the late 1990s.

The agency measured a sample that had 3,524 pollen grains per cubic meter at its Raleigh office Wednesday and an even higher sample in Winston-Salem, where Tuesday’s count reached 9,632 grains per cubic meter.

According to a press release from the DENR, Wednesday’s pollen count was the highest ever recorded in Raleigh. The previous record was set March 27, 2007, when pollen levels reached 2,925.

According to John King, associate professor of tree physiology, pollen usually reaches its peak during late March and early April.

According to the DENR, peak pollen levels historically fall between 1,000 and 1,500 grains per cubic meter in the Raleigh area.

King added that the cause of record pollen levels has been the sudden change in weather.

However, because of the frigid winter, King said some species of trees weren’t able to flower, resulting in more tree species flowering at the same time. 

“There has been an abrupt transition from a cool wet winter to a warm, dry spring,” King said. 

Dustin Franklin, senior in mechanical engineering, said the amount of pollen in the air is comparable to “a light snowfall.”

“It’s much more intense than I expected. It’s not friendly out there,” he said.

Jerry Sharp, a freshman in computer science, said he has never seen anything like this. 

“I’ve never seen anything like the yellow brick road we have everywhere,” he said.  

However, King said he believes the pollen levels have hit their highest point for this season.

“The pine pollen has peaked. It should start declining from here on out,” he said. 

Rain should lower the pollen levels to normal levels, according to King.

According to the DENR, people who are bothered by allergies should stay indoors, especially during early morning hours and windy weather, until pollen levels subside.

Though rains may wash away most of the accumulated pollen — especially with heavy thunderstorms expected in Raleigh throughout Thursday night, according to NOAA — King said he has a word of advice for those wanting to wash their cars this weekend.

“Wait another week,” King said.