One of this century’s warmest winters has turned into a dreadful summer for allergy sufferers, and the unusual weather conditions are being attributed to El Ni¤o.

The 1997-1998 El Ni¤o has been the strongest this century, according to the World Meteorological Organization. This year’s El Ni¤o not only caused a lot of physical damage, but will have a lasting effect on the weather in the months to come.

The winter months of December, January and February made history as the second warmest winter in the last 104 years. But the early spring has caused problems for many people, especially allergy sufferers.

Usually allergy sufferers do not have to worry about the mold season until the ice and snow melt in late March or early April. However, this year Mother Nature has changed her ways.

Allergy sufferers already were facing problems in January because of the early rains that produced more pollen, according to the WB56 Healthwatch.

Tree pollen rarely affects allergies, but for one in 10 people, it triggers the release of histamines that dilate an individual’s blood vessels, resulting in runny noses, itchy eyes and stuffed-up heads, according to an article in the Orlando Sentinel.

Some Iowa State students say their allergies have been unbearable.

“My allergies are so bad this year that I can never sleep because my sinuses feel like they’re dying,” said Sarah Wortman, junior in history.

But allergies will not be the only thing affected by El Ni¤o this year. Dick Carlson, professor of agronomy, said during El Ni¤o, the summer tends to be cool and rainy. He said since the winter was milder than usual this year, more bugs were able to survive the winter season.

“There really is nothing that can be done about the rapid takeover of bugs outside, but some things can be done on the inside,” said Dr. Bernard Geller, a Santa Monica allergist, in The Bay Insider. Geller suggests keeping the windows closed and using airfilters.

However, El Ni¤o has not had a negative effect on everyone. Carlson said farmers may be talking about this year’s El Ni¤o with smiles on their faces.

“Based on past history, [El Ni¤o] is generally favorable for crop production,” Carlson said.

The present El Ni¤o started last spring and seems to be dying out, Carlson said. “But [El Ni¤o] is not black and white,” he said.

Carlson said it is difficult to determine exactly what will happen in a weather situation such as El Ni¤o.