Forecast

Thunderstorm asthma can be an additional burden!

There will be thunderstorms in Austria over the next few days, on Thursday with a focus on the west and then on Friday in the east. From Saturday, the pollen count will increase again as it becomes dry and hot again.

During thunderstorms, sudden changes in humidity and air pressure can cause pollen to split into tiny particles that penetrate deep into the lungs. This can trigger severe allergic reactions or asthma attacks - a phenomenon known as thunderstorm asthma. Even though rain usually brings short-term relief, allergy sufferers should stay indoors during thunderstorms and keep windows closed to minimise the risk.

The main flowering of grasses is now behind us nationwide. Unfortunately, this does not yet mean any noticeable relief for people who are sensitised to grasses. A large number of grass species are still flowering, including couch grass, grass grass, crested bluegrass, riding grass, panicle grass, ryegrass and timothy. Flowering grasses can also be found in forests and at altitudes above 1500 metres. In their growing areas, the flowering of wheat and rye is over. However, people allergic to grass pollen should continue to avoid the vicinity of cereal fields. In

Dock and plantain are also in bloom and can cause additional stress near meadows. Stinging nettles also bloom and their pollen can irritate sensitised people.

For people who are sensitised to birch plants, the flowering green alder and sweet chestnut trees are important. While the sweet chestnut is mainly found in the lowlands of eastern and southern Austria, the green alder is found at higher altitudes throughout the Alps.

The tree of heaven, a neophyte native to Asia, also blooms. Although it is insect-pollinated, we regularly find its pollen in our monitoring sites. Not much is yet known about its allergenic potential, but allergic skin reactions have already been documented.

Privet can be important for people who are sensitised to the pollen of the olive family. However, as this plant is pollinated by insects, relevant pollen concentrations are only to be expected in the immediate vicinity.

Moderately high concentrations of fungal spores are registered at our measuring points in the lowlands and valleys. The precipitation in the coming days may lead to short-term increases in spore concentrations.

A brief outlook for late summer: From August onwards, intensive exposure to ragweed pollen is to be expected again in south-east Austria. If you discover populations of this neophyte during outdoor activities, you can report them via the citizen science project "Ragweed Finder". The information collected will be verified by experts and forwarded to the relevant authorities of the provincial government. If you report findings now, appropriate steps can sometimes be taken before the plants flower, thus preventing the release of pollen. You can report findings either via the app (for Android and iOS) or on the website. There you will also find further information about ragweed and can view the reports from previous years.

Other types of pollen in the ambient air: umbellifers, goosefoot and buttercups as well as carnations, sour grasses, vines and cypresses. These are of minor allergological importance.