It's a bad week for allergy sufferers in the Pacific Northwest

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- You're not the only with itchy eyes and a runny nose. Some of the highest pollen counts of the season are expected as warm and sunny weather continues around the Portland metro region.

Spring is well underway and allergy sufferers can feel it. Pollen counts have gradually been on the rise, but are expected to sit at the highest levels so far this spring this week. Monday's pollen counts fall in the medium to high category according to 'Pollen'. Those levels are expected to climb into the high category by Tuesday.

The rapid rise in pollen is due to Portland's multiple early spring 'heat waves'. Yes, the temperatures have only climbed into the 70s so far this year, but that's been nearly 10 to 15 degrees above average. These nearly bi-weekly stents of warmer, sunnier and drier weather have helped push western Oregon and Washington into bloom mode.

Most of the southern, southeast, western and now the Great Plains regions have seen the return of life. That means it's not just the Portland area that's seen an increase in allergies.

Thankfully, April showers will help give allergy sufferers a few days of relief. Rain will help keep pollen near the surface during a rainy day.

However, too much rain can help send plants into an explosive bloom. That would make bad pollen days even worse.