Scripps Expert Explains Why San Diego is No. 2 for Allergies

When the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America released its new report on “the most challenging places to live with allergies” in the United States, many people were surprised to see San Diego jump from No. 97 in 2025 to No. 2 in 2026. 

Ronald Simon, MD, director of the Scripps Clinic Allergy Center of Excellence, WAO, explained in several recent media interviews that the rise on the list had more to do with the way the foundation measures allergy severity. 

In the past, it focused on cities with very high daily pollen counts. 

San Diego doesn’t have many very high pollen count days, Dr. Simon explained, but it does have numerous high pollen count days compared to other places due to the less extreme weather seen in the region that results in an allergy season that lasts many months rather than several intensive weeks. 

Watch the Fox 5 interview: Worst Cities For Allergies 

Read and listen to the KPBS report: San Diego Pollen Allergies Now Among Worst For Major US Cities