Experiencing swollen, itchy eyes and a runny nose? The hay fever season is here, with some areas forecast to have up to twice as much pollen over an average year.

According to the Japan Weather Association, which offers weather-related information, pollen levels are predicted to be twice the amount of an average year in the greater Tokyo area, while the regions of Tohoku in northern Japan and Tokai, which includes Shizuoka and Aichi prefectures, are expected to see 1.8 times the average amount.

The Shikoku region, made up of Kochi, Tokushima, Kagawa and Ehime prefectures, is forecast to experience nearly three times the amount compared to last year.

People who only experienced weaker symptoms last season may need to take greater measures this year, the JWA said.

The Environment Ministry also said that cedar pollen levels this season are expected to be the highest in 10 years.

The amount of pollen dispersed in the spring depends on what the weather was like the previous summer. Summers with higher temperatures, longer hours of sunlight and little rain — conditions present last year — create a conducive environment leading to more pollen in the following spring.

The peak of the hay fever season depends on the area and the type of pollen — cedar or cypress.

The city of Fukuoka is expected to experience the most cedar pollen first from late February through early March, while cities like Osaka, Hiroshima and Takamatsu, in Kagawa Prefecture, are forecast to experience the most pollen from early March to mid-March.

The cities of Sendai, Tokyo and Kanazawa will experience the longest stretch with peak cedar pollen for most of March, while Nagoya will only experience a large amount of cedar pollen for around early March to mid-March.

As for cypress pollen, Fukuoka, Hiroshima and Takamatsu are forecast to experience peak pollen levels first from around late March to mid April.

Cypress pollen is expected to peak in Nagoya and Osaka from early April to mid-April, while Tokyo will experience peak pollen levels for most of April. Places like Sendai and Kanazawa are not expected to have peak cypress pollen levels.