As cold and flu season finally wanes, a new danger lurking in the snow could be responsible for your runny nose and cough. As the snow gradually dissipates, health experts warn the moisture creates a prime breeding ground for 'snow mold,' a fungal lawn disease that develops when snow covers grass during the winter. In severe cases, snow mold can trigger asthma attacks and respiratory infections like pneumonia. Snow typically is a breeding ground for Microdochium patch, also called pink snow mold, and Typhula Blight, or gray snow mold. Gray snow mold typically only kills grass blades and resolves itself after raking and drying, while pink snow mold can kill roots and may need to be overseeded to prevent further damage.

Source: Daily Mail February 13, 2026 22:23 UTC