SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Pollen is in the air as trees in the Pioneer Valley are starting to bloom. Partial solar eclipse visible in New England this weekend It's that time of year when you have to keep tissues on standby and your medicine cabinet stocked. Recent rainy weather and wa rmer temperatures have introduced tree pollen into the air. This allergen usually peaks sometime in early to mid-April as average temperatures reach the 60s. Dr. David Robertson, an immunologist in Springfield, told 22News about the symptoms his patients experience. "Over the last week or two, we've actually started seeing patients come in starting to complain that their seasonal allergies are starting to act up," Robertson said. "So we've seen sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, congestion, a little bit more asthma. So it's starting up." Some good practices during the sniffly season include keeping windows closed and taking allergy medication before you experience symptoms. Outdoor mold may also be more prevalent during wet weather. Local News Headlines Southwick police searching for vehicle connected to shoplifting Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators turns 50 What to look out for during termite season Tree pollen arriving as temperatures get warmer WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less