BOSTON -- If you've been sneezing and sniffling more than usual lately, you're not alone. The spring allergy season is well under way.

NewsCenter 5's Liz Brunner reported Wednesday that if the dry, windy weather doesn't change, experts said this year could be one of the worst for allergy sufferers.

"I've been sneezing for the last three or four days," one resident said.

Allergy specialist Dr. Gary Gurka has seen an influx of allergy sufferers this year -- much earlier than usual. He said that some patients started seeing symptoms in January.

"It's extremely unusual. Here in the greater Boston area, our tree pollen season normally doesn't begin until late March," Gurka said.

But a relatively warm winter with just enough rain got the trees budding and the pollen moving early. The dry and windy spring the region is experiencing now is only making the problem worse.

"The relative drought puts the trees under stress, which actually makes them pollinate more," Gurka said.

But if the rain does fall, it could increase mold counts -- leaving allergy sufferers waving their tissues in surrender.

Gurka said that if you take allergy medication, start taking it before your symptoms show. Keep your windows closed to keep pollen out -- especially at bedtime. Change clothes, and shower before bed to rinse off any lingering pollen.

"I think if it continues to have a relative drought and be warm and windy that we'll have lots and lots of tree pollen and that will make many people miserable," Gurka said.

Experts said not to ignore allergy symptoms. If left untreated, they can lead to more serious problems, such as respiratory infection and asthma.