Forget those beautiful clear skies; today's a real lung-buster if you're planning to hit the pavement or trails in Irving.
- Pollen Armageddon: We're sitting at "Very High" pollen levels. If your nose isn't already running like the Trinity River in a flash flood, you're one of the lucky few, or you haven't stepped outside yet.
- Gritty Air: The Air Quality Index is sitting at a "Moderate" 75, with fine particulate matter (<2.5µm) being the dominant pollutant. This means unusually sensitive people, which let's be honest, is probably half of us in Irving on a good day, should consider cutting back on prolonged or heavy exertion. Combine that with the pollen, and your lungs are in for a bad time.
- Construction Chaos: Irving is always rebuilding something, and today's no different. There are ongoing road construction projects everywhere, part of the city's "Road to the Future" program, and plenty of general development. While not necessarily blocking your favorite running path like Campion Trails (which has its own flooding issues when it actually rains, not today though), it means more dust kicked up and more detours if you're trying to navigate the city.
The weather itself, a pleasant 17.8°C (around 64°F) and clear, might tempt you out. Don't fall for it. That seemingly perfect temperature is a Trojan horse for respiratory misery.
What to Watch Out For
Your Lungs Aren't Going to Love This: With "Very High" pollen counts and moderate PM2.5 levels, you're essentially breathing a gritty, allergenic cocktail. If you have asthma, allergies, or any other respiratory sensitivities, an indoor workout is your best bet today. Seriously, this isn't the day to try and PR on the Campion Trails. Even if you're normally fine, you might feel a lingering cough or congestion later.
Dusty Detours Ahead: Constant construction, including a massive project transforming congested highway interchanges and road work along major arteries like Loop 12, means there's a lot of dust and exhaust contributing to that particulate matter. Keep an eye out for unexpected lane closures and plan your routes accordingly if you're cycling or running near major roads.
Tips for Surviving Today:
- Hit the Gym: This is a no-brainer. Your treadmill is looking pretty good right now.
- Mask Up (Seriously): If you absolutely must run outside, an N95 or even a decent running mask can help filter out some of those particulates and pollen. It's not perfect, but it's better than nothing.
- Hydrate Like Crazy: Water won't fix the pollen, but it might help your body deal with the general irritation.
- Shower Immediately: Get that pollen off your skin and out of your hair as soon as you get back inside.
Today's Pollen Breakdown
| Pollen Type | Level |
|---|---|
| Overall Pollen | Very High |
Today isn't about crushing miles; it's about protecting your airways. Choose wisely.
Data grounded with National Weather Service, AccuWeather, and the City of Irving from February 26, 2026.