Forecast

The first peak of the mugwort pollen season is just around the corner!

The weather forecast for the coming week predicts plenty of sunshine and high temperatures once again. Precipitation is mainly expected only in the western mountainous regions; the rest of the country will remain predominantly dry. People with allergies should expect high levels of mugwort pollen and fungal spores in the coming days. Occasionally, grass pollen concentrations in the ambient air may also reach significant levels.

Mugwort is a herbaceous plant that is mainly found in areas heavily influenced by human activity. Unlike most composite flowers, it is predominantly wind-pollinated and can cause significant symptoms even at low concentrations. The first peak in pollen levels is expected in the course of this week or at the start of next week.

Grass pollen levels are subsiding in most parts of the country and are now causing only minor symptoms.
Along paths and roadsides, additional pollen levels from sorrel, goosefoot plants and plantain are to be expected.

The ragweed pollen season is also just around the corner. Initial low levels of pollen have already been recorded in the east of the country, but it will be some time yet before flowering begins on a large scale.

If you spot ragweed populations whilst out and about, please feel free to report them via the ‘Ragweed Finder’ citizen science platform. Reports can be submitted either via the website ragweedfinder.at or via the app (for Android and iOS). The reports are checked by experts from the “Ragweed Finder” team, plotted on the ragweed map and forwarded at regular intervals to the relevant authorities in the federal states. These authorities can then use the reports to take further action.

Rainfall promotes the release of fungal spores, particularly those of the genera Alternaria, Cladosporium and Helminthosporium.

In addition to the pollen types already mentioned, pollen from stinging nettles, hemp, carnations and cypresses is currently also present in the pollen spectrum. However, these pose only a very low allergenic risk.