We often show you a graphic during our weather forecasts of pollen to let you know how bad it can get, and a lab at Edward Waters University is giving us even more data to work with.

Dr. Brian Seymour is using a new device to monitor pollen concentration and provide early warnings to physicians and allergists. The study aims to not only alert people about high pollen content but also identify and address health disparities, particularly the high rate of asthma among African Americans. By analyzing pollen data and monitoring the environment, the research aims to find ways to decrease the prevalence of asthma in the community. Dr. Seymour's findings will be presented at the annual meeting of the national allergy bureau, with the hope of continuing the study and creating a pollen calendar for future predictions.

Temperatures and pollen levels are rising

Record-breaking warm weather is leading to a longer pollen season, and for many, that means sneezing, coughing and an itchy throat.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – This weekend’s heat should be more than intense enough to allow for an afternoon high at least 92°. It will also be the THIRD MONTH in a row in which we have had an all-time record monthly high temperature. Saturday expect mostly sunny skies, we may start off with some inland fog. Temperatures will race through the 70s and 80s, and top out in the record challenging low 90s. The cold front behind the rain leaves us quite pleasant on Thursday and Friday, only topping out in the mid to upper 70s under mostly sunny skies.

Today we hit the mid to low 80s under somewhat cloudy skies. expect a slow cool down this evening through the 70s and into the mid 60s overnight. Expect southwest winds between 10-15 mph and afternoon highs climbing into the mid 80s. Thursday we will warm up into the mid 80s under mostly sunny skies. Friday kicks off a three day stretch of sunny skies and hot afternoons, topping out in the low 90s through the weekend.