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  • Christmas tree syndrome: Why your allergies may flare up

    Christmas tree syndrome: Why your allergies may flare up

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    If you notice more sniffles and worsening allergy symptoms this time of year, you may suffer from “Christmas Tree Syndrome,” according to the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pine pollen may cause sneezing inside your home

    • Mold spores are also a possible culprit

    • Artificial trees can also cause allergies to flare

    • Some types of live trees are better than others for allergies

    If you notice more allergy and asthma symptoms with a live tree in the house, pine pollen is most likely the problem. Otherwise, experts warn that mold spores could grow on your Christmas tree.

    In a 2011 study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, researchers took samples from their own Christmas trees and discovered more than 50 kinds of molds.

    (Pixabay)

    Allergies and asthma symptoms aren’t just caused by real trees, either. Even those who opt for a fake Christmas tree could still feel ill.

    If not properly stored in your basement or attic, dust and mold can accumulate or grow on the branches, aggravating symptoms.

    Combating the issue

    According to the American Christmas Tree Association, shaking out and hosing off real trees before bringing indoors can reduce allergy and asthma symptoms in some people. Although you’ll want to let the tree dry off before transferring indoors.

    Since drying off can take a while, experts claim you can use a dry air compressor to speed up the process.

    Using an air purifier and taking down the tree the day after Christmas can also reduce exposure to any mold spores that are still present on the tree.

    Those who decide on an artificial tree should also thoroughly dust and wipe down its branches to remove any allergens before putting up and taking down. This can also apply to any other indoor decorations you decide to put up, too.

    Once the holidays are over, place the tree and its components in an air-tight container and avoid storing it in a cardboard box. Cardboard is an ideal breeding ground for molds to grow on, which could spread to your tree.

    (iStock)

    Provided pollen is your biggest trigger, choosing a fake tree would probably be your best bet. However, if you are dead-set on putting up a live Christmas tree, experts recommend trying a fir, spruce, or cypress.

    Two popular suggestions for those with allergies or who are sensitive to tree scents are the White Fir and Leyland Cypress.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Katie Walls

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  • Christmas brought a big mix of weather in the past

    Christmas brought a big mix of weather in the past

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    What kind of weather gets you in the Christmas spirit? Is it a winter wonderland with the smell of wood burning in the fireplace? Or is it a tropical paradise with palm trees swaying in the breeze? 

    Your answer may depend on where you grew up or spent most of your life! 

    What You Need To Know

    • The lowest temperature set on Christmas Day in Tampa was 20 degrees

    • Tampa’s warmest temperature on Christmas Day was 86 degrees

    • We remember Christmas of 1997 for its stormy weather

    • Last Christmas, Tampa had a high of 46 degrees and a low of 31 degrees

    You don’t have to be a meteorologist to know most years are mild or warm for Christmas Day in the Tampa Bay region. Considering the climatological average high for this time of year is 73, that’s not a shock.

    Looking at the data, you’ll find that it’s very common for our area to have highs in the 60s, 70s or 80s on Christmas, but it’s rarer to have highs only in the 50s. It happens, but those instances are in the minority, primarily because of our southern latitude.

    In 2022, Tampa had a high temperature of 46 degrees on Christmas Day. 

    What’s interesting is that you can go back through the last 100 years and find a rhythm (or pattern) to the temperatures. Some years and decades were warmer, while others were cooler. It ebbs and flow. 

    It’s not too surprising, considering large-scale global patterns, such as El Niño and La Niña, can influence our regional weather.

    A strong El Niño can cause wetter, stormier winters for us- and that certainly was the case in 1997. That winter was very stormy, and we had the wettest December on record.

    The Arctic Oscillation plays a big role in winter weather, especially across the eastern U.S. In the winters of 2009 and 2010, we had the coldest December on record with many chilly days. That pattern flipped a few years later, and we had some of the warmest Decembers on record in 2015 and 2016.

    The warmest Christmas Day temperature is 86 degrees, which we’ve hit multiple times.

    Yet, the coldest saw a low temperature 20 degrees in 1983. That same day, we had a high of only 38 here in Tampa, which is very cold by our standards.

    Looking back at Christmas Day weather since Bay News 9 started in 1997:

    2022: Mostly cloudy and breezy. High: 46, Low: 31.

    2021: Sunny. High: 77, Low: 56.

    2020: Partly cloudy and cold. High: 57, Low: 45.

    2019: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 81, Low: 63.

    2018: Sunny and beautiful. High: 74, Low: 53.

    2017: Weak front brought early morning showers. High: 75, Low: 58.

    2016: Mostly sunny and warm. Tied record high. High: 86, Low: 67.

    2015: Thick morning fog, warm and muggy. Tied record high. High: 86, Low: 70.

    2014: Cloudy morning, cool and partly sunny afternoon. High: 66, Low: 55.

    2013: Chilly start, comfortable afternoon. High: 76, Low: 49.

    2012: Mostly cloudy but comfortable. High: 74, Low: 57.

    2011: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 82, Low: 64.

    2010: Nice most of the day with night rain showers moving in with a front. High: 71, Low: 45.

    2009: Light morning showers, cloudy all day. High: 73, Low: 66.

    2008: Mostly cloudy with light scattered showers. Warm, muggy. High: 82, Low: 70.

    2007: Sunny and nice. High: 76, Low: 58.

    2006: Severe squall line with an EF-2 tornado in Pasco County. High: 79, Low: 69.

    2005: Front passed with rain and gusty winds of 50 mph. High: 70, Low: 57.

    2004: Cloudy and rainy. High: 60, Low: 48.

    2003: Sunny and cool. High: 66, Low: 47.

    2002: Rain ended early, then cloudy and windy. High: 70, Low: 51.

    2001: Cloudy and chilly with light rain. High: 58, Low: 51.

    2000: Breezy, mostly sunny. High: 71, Low: 49.

    1999: Sunny, but chilly. High: 58, Low: 43.

    1998: Sunny and warm. High: 79, Low: 64.

    1997: Wet and stormy with record-setting rain of 1.53 inches. High 73, Low 69.

    Last year vs. this year

    Last year was the coldest Christmas since Bay News 9 started and the coldest in over 30 years. 

    This year looks to be closer to normal, with highs in the 70s and a chance of showers.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Kyle Hanson

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  • Most of the U.S. will have to dream of a white Christmas this year

    Most of the U.S. will have to dream of a white Christmas this year

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    Burl Ives sang the words “I don’t know if there’ll be snow, but have a cup of cheer”… you’re going to need the cup of cheer, because most of the country won’t wake up to a winter wonderland next Monday.

    What You Need To Know

    • A mild pattern has kept winter storms at bay

    • Very few areas will have at least an inch of snow on the ground on Monday

    • This year’s snow coverage is relatively low compared to the long-term average



    The recent mild pattern has been quite persistent and will stay that way right through the holiday. Here’s what temperatures compared to average look like through Monday.

    The relative warmth is great news for travelers hoping snow and ice won’t snarl their pre-holiday trip. But for those who like seeing a white Christmas, it’s a disappointment. Here’s where one of our reliable computer models predicts at least an inch of snow will be on the ground Christmas morning (which is the definition of a white Christmas).

    Snow will definitely be in short supply this year. For example, those who average three out of four Christmases being white… well, this year is that one-out-of-four.

    Travel weather next week likely involves a couple of weather systems in the central and eastern U.S. that’ll produce both rain and snow. Keep up with your local forecast to see what conditions may be like in your area–rain, snow or shine.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Justin Gehrts

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  • Storm severely erodes new $26M beach sand dunes in Pinellas

    Storm severely erodes new $26M beach sand dunes in Pinellas

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    TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — The storm that hit Pinellas County last weekend severely eroded new beach sand dunes which cost more than $26 million to reconstruct after Hurricane Idalia brushed by the coast in August.

    What You Need To Know

    • The new sand dunes were eroded by weekend storms; officials say it appears half of the new dune washed away

    • It was the first time waves directly hit dunes because the beaches have become so narrow  

    • County hopes to salvage what’s left of the sand dunes and only rebuild if necessary

    • Previous story here

    “There’s a little part of me that wanted to cry,” Pinellas Public Works director Kelli Levy said. “I’m not going to lie.”

    For the past few months, the county has been paying for sand to be trucked in from Davenport to rebuild the dune system from the Sand Key area of Clearwater to Pass-a-Grille in St. Pete Beach. Levy said in some areas near Sunset Beach, the dunes were nearly completely washed away.

    “There’s dunes down at the south end of Treasure Island on Sunset Beach that were really hit hard, that area probably more than the other areas,” she said. “The rest of the dunes pretty much from Sunset through Indian Rocks all the way up into Belleair Beach, where visually it appears that they’re about half gone.”

    The county will know exactly how much sand was lost during the storm once surveyors complete their work. Levy said they were hoping the new dunes would last for at least two years because that’s how long it takes to get a federal beach renourishment permit.

    “While it’s sad to see 4 months’ worth of hard work be damaged that way,” she said. “I also am incredibly appreciative that the protection that it provided those residents because without it I think we would’ve seen a lot more damage.”

    Levy said the sand dunes are the only thing standing between the Gulf and homeowners. Still, more than 60 residents in Treasure Island reported flooding, according to Jason Beisel, Treasure Island spokesman.  

    Michelle Gowland, 51, records videos for her YouTube channel, Echoue Bijoux, while collecting shells on Bay area beaches. Gowland said she travels from Bradenton to Sunset Beach at least twice a month to record videos.

    “These are giant Atlantic cockles,” she said. “There’s lots of those washed up here.”

    The sheller said right after a big storm hits is the best time to look and she was sad to see the beach erosion

    “I just saw part of that dune fall… it’s surreal to be out here right now,” she said. “It’s sad to see that all of this work that has just been done is going to have to be done again.”

    Levy said the county hopes to salvage what’s left of the sand dunes and only rebuild if necessary with tourist tax dollars.

    “If we can in some areas just kind of grade it down a little further, grade down the accesses, so people will have access and leave the existing dune in place,” she said. “In areas where it’s completely gone, we may have to bring in more sand.”

    The severely damaged dune system is connected to an ongoing battle between Pinellas County and the Army Corps of Engineers over beach renourishment and the lack of required perpetual easements from all beachfront property owners. Levy said this was the first storm where the waves directly hit the sand dunes because the beaches have become so narrow.

    “We haven’t had storms hit the dune because we’ve always had a significant berm in front of it,” she said. “Well, we don’t have a berm now. So, all we had was the dune.”

    Levy said it’s important people stay off the dunes over the holidays for their safety and to protect the remaining sand.

    “A lot of the access points have a very sharp drop off. If you step too close to the edge, it will collapse on you,” she said. “We don’t want anyone getting hurt. Generally, stay off the dunes that are still there. We do want those areas that did not get damaged, those plants to continue to get established.”

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Wildfire smoke reducing air quality on Tuesday

    Wildfire smoke reducing air quality on Tuesday

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    Smoke from Canadian wildfires has made it all the way down the East Coast into Florida. It’s causing spots of relatively poor air quality on Tuesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Canadian wildfire smoke is over Florida

    • It’s reducing air quality in some places

    • Smoke has also caused hazy skies


    The smoke has caused the hazy sky early this week, and it’s also been enough to reduce air quality in some parts of our region. Occasionally, the smoke will cause the air quality to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as those with respiratory issues, children and older adults.

    Those in the sensitive groups should limit their time outdoors when the air quality is poor enough. Here’s a current map of the latest air quality.

    Wildfire smoke will gradually move away and diminish later Tuesday, although some of it could linger a bit into Wednesday. Air quality will improve as the smoke moves away.

     

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Justin Gehrts

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  • Hurricane Idalia makes 125-mph landfall in Big Bend area

    Hurricane Idalia makes 125-mph landfall in Big Bend area

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    TAMPA, Fla. —  Major Hurricane Idalia has made landfall.

    The storm and its 125-mph winds made landfall over Keaton Beach. Catastrophic storm surge and winds are expected to continue impacting the Big Bend of Florida. 

    Idalia continues to move NNE at 18 mph through what has been a favorable environment for intensification. It’s located 90 miles northwest of Cedar Key, where “catastrophic storm surge and destructive winds” are expected. 

    The low-lying marsh area faced a predicted storm surge of up to 15 feet.

    A state of emergency is in effect for 49 Florida counties, including:

    Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Nassau, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, and Wakulla counties.

    Hurricane force winds reach out 25 mph from the center. Rain bands have produced gusts over 60 mph around Tampa Bay. Water levels are still increasing for the Nature Coast. Seven to 11 feet of surge is still expected.

    Water levels around Tampa Bay are at 4 feet above the astronomical tide as of 5:30 am. Many roads are flooded.  Water levels will stay high all day. 

    Rain bands can continue to produce tornadoes across the Bay area. A Tornado Watch and a Flood Watch continue. 

     

    While the exact track of the center will determine where the worst storm surge will end up, the rain bands will continue to impact the entire region through the morning hours.

    That means gusty winds and heavy rain along with a threat of tornadoes. We will monitor Klystron 9 for rotation and to track the center of Idalia as it moves north through the Gulf. Polk, Citrus and Hernando counties were under brief tornado warnings Wednesday morning.

    Coastal areas will see the strongest storms, but there will be gusty squalls far inland that rotate around the large circulation of Idalia.

    The west coast of Florida is highly susceptible to storm surge so there is a threat of significant, life-threatening impacts.

    TIMING:

    Tropical storm-force winds are impacting the Tampa Bay area.

    WINDS: 

    Widespread tropical storm force winds are forecast (39-73 mph), even inland. This will cause downed trees and power outages.

    Hurricane force winds (74+) primarily impact the Nature Coast. Any change in the future track will cause changes to the forecast.

    TORNADOES:

    Models show numerous strong thunderstorms and gusty squalls tomorrow along the coast. Some of these will produce a few fast moving tornadoes.

    STORM SURGE FORECAST: 

    Storm surge will also be a threat to areas along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Bay News 9 Meteorologist Juli Marquez states that, “astronomical tides will be high with a full moon, so storm surge will be more impactful.”

    Storm Surge Warnings are now in effect for from Englewood northward to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay.

    Storm Surge Watches are also in effect for the Florida Gulf Coast from Chokoloskee to Englewood and the mouth of the St. Marys River to South Santee River in South Carolina.

    Peak Storm Surge:

    Levy/Citrus Counties: 7-11 feet AGL

    Hernando/Pasco Counties: 6 to 9 feet AGL

    Tampa Bay Area: 4-7 feet AGL on coast, 3-6 feet in Tampa Bay

    Sarasota: 3-5 feet

    A Flood Watch has been issued for our area. Idalia could bring 4 to 8 inches of rain. Locally higher amounts are possible. This could lead to street flooding and flooding of poor drainage areas.

    POTENTIAL IMPACTS ALONG THE NATURE COAST:

    • Widespread deep inundation, with storm surge flooding greatly accentuated by powerful battering waves.
    • Structural damage to buildings, with many washing away.
    • Damage greatly compounded from considerable floating debris. Locations may be uninhabitable for an extended period.
    • Near-shore escape routes and secondary roads washed out or severely flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.
    • Extreme beach erosion. New shoreline cuts possible.
    • Massive damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
    • Numerous small craft broken away from moorings with many lifted onshore and stranded.

    Tides are running much higher than normal due to the Super Moon, which could contribute to a higher storm surge in some areas.

    HIGH TIDE FORECAST:

    Crystal River:

    • 3:14 p.m. Tues.

    • 4:59 a.m. Wed.

    • 4:09 p.m. Wed.

    Ozello:

    • 2:19 p.m. Tues.

    • 4:04 a.m. Wed.

    • 3:14 p.m. Wed.

    Bayport:

    • 12:53 p.m. Tues.

    • 2:38 a.m. Wed.

    • 1:46 p.m. Wed.

    Tarpon Springs:

    • 11:30 a.m. Tues.

    • 1:23 a.m. Wed.

    • 12:33 p.m. Wed.

    Clearwater Beach:

    • 10:47 a.m. Tues.

    • 12:32 a.m. Wed.

    • 11:42 p.m. Wed.

    St. Petersburg:

    • 12:54 p.m. Tues.

    • 3:32 a.m. Wed.

    • 1:53 p.m. Wed.

    Gulfport:

    • 11:22 p.m. Tues.

    • 2:00 a.m. Wed.

    • 12:21 p.m Wed.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • COUNTY BY COUNTY: What to expect from Idalia around Tampa Bay

    COUNTY BY COUNTY: What to expect from Idalia around Tampa Bay

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    Our Spectrum Bay News 9 Weather Experts have broken down, by county, what to watch for with Idalia. For the latest forecast updates, you can check here.

    Citrus

    Main impact: Until Wednesday afternoon

    Tropical Storm Warning

    Winds (coast): 30 to 40 mph, gusts to 60

    Winds (inland): 20 to 30 mph, gusts to 40

    Rainfall: Additional 2 to 4 inches, locally higher amounts near the coast

    Storm Surge Warning

    The potential for up to 5 to 8 feet above ground within surge prone areas

    Hernando

    Main impact: Until Wednesday afternoon

    Tropical Storm Warning

    Winds: 20 to 30 mph, gusts to 50

    Rainfall: Additional 2 to 4 inches, locally higher amounts near the coast

    Storm Surge Warning

    The potential for up to 5 to 8 feet above ground within surge prone areas

    Pasco

    Main impact: Until Wednesday afternoon

    Hurricane Warning

    Winds (coast): 35 to 45 mph, gusts to 70

    Winds (inland): 20 to 30 mph, gusts to 50

    Rainfall: Additional 3 to 6 inches, locally higher amounts

    Storm Surge Warning

    The potential for up to 6 to 9 feet above ground within surge prone areas

    Pinellas

    Main impact: Until Wednesday afternoon

    Hurricane Warning

    Winds: 30 to 40 mph, gusts to 65

    Rainfall: Additional 3 to 6 inches, locally higher amounts

    Storm Surge Warning

    The potential for up to 4 to 6 feet above ground within surge prone areas

    Hillsborough

    Main impact: Until Wednesday afternoon

    Hurricane Warning

    Winds: 20 to 30 mph, gusts to 50

    Rainfall: Additional 3 to 6 inches, locally higher amounts

    Manatee

    Main impact: Until Wednesday afternoon

    Hurricane Warning

    Winds (inland): 20 to 30 mph, gusts to 50 mph

    Winds (coast): 20 to 30 mph, gusts to 55 mph

    Rainfall: Additional 2 to 4 inches, locally higher amounts

    Storm Surge Warning

    The potential for up to 4 to 6 feet within surge prone areas

    Polk

    Main impact: Until Wednesday afternoon

    Tropical Storm Warning

    Winds: 20 to 30 mph, gusts to 50 mph

    Rainfall: Additional 1 to 3 inches, locally higher

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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