Beaufort, South Carolina

An iWitness weather user posted this photo with the caption 'Pollen in January! And it's 78 degrees.' (iWitness weather user: twanderer)

Record pollen counts in cities throughout the Southeast in January means only one thing: allergy season has already begun in the U.S.

"It's much earlier this season, than it was even last year," says Atlanta allergist Dr. Stanley Fineman.

(More: Pollen Forecast Allergy Tips More Allergy Stories)

The early allergy season seems to be hitting the Southeast, in particular. Until recently, the South was experiencing unusually mild temperatures compared to winters past.

"It's very unusual to see pollen counts that are this high this early in the year," says Dr. Fineman. "It probably is related to the unusual warming trend we've had because the trees are just really putting out the pollen."

Those mild temperatures fueled an even earlier budding of trees, grass, and plants. It's evidenced by all the blooming, budding flowers and plants.

Atlanta experienced a record high pollen count of 390 in January 2013. Pollen counts in January rarely exceed 25 or 50, according to Dr. Fineman.

"Usually we don't see this until March, though the last two years we've seen this in February."

So, if spring allergy season is starting already does that mean it will end earlier than unusual? Don't hold your breath.

"Unfortunately, this doesn't mean allergy season will end earlier," says Dr. Fineman. "It's going to be longer because it started earlier."