Forecast

Changeable weather results in fluctuating pollen counts!

After a rainy first half of the week, the sun will come out a little more often in the east of the country at the weekend. In the rest of the country, it will often remain cloudy and occasional precipitation cannot be ruled out. In dry conditions, an increase in pollution is to be expected, rain can wash the pollen out of the air again and, depending on its intensity, provide short or long-term relief.

In those regions of Austria where the sun comes through more frequently, an increase in grass pollen counts to moderate or locally even high levels must be expected in the coming days. In areas where the clouds are thicker and rain is expected for a longer period of time, the levels will not exceed the moderate level.
The main culprits for the current grass pollen concentrations are foxtail grasses, tufted grasses, switch grasses and panicled grasses as well as the first tresps.
In meadows, dock and plantain may bloom occasionally and cause additional stress.

Note: At the moment, a yellowish film can often be found on smooth surfaces such as car roofs or window sills. These deposits, known as "sulphur rain", consist of pollen grains from conifers such as spruce, pine and fir trees. From an allergological point of view, it is not a cause for concern.

People who are sensitized to birch pollen may continue to suffer from cross-reactions due to the beech, oak and walnut pollen, which is still present in relevant quantities.

Green alder, which occurs in mountainous areas, begins to bloom and can cause allergic symptoms in the immediate vicinity. Only under appropriate wind conditions can pollen be transported in relevant concentrations down to the lowlands and valleys.

The manna ash has already passed the peak of flowering in many cities in the country, but can still occasionally cause relevant pollen counts. This also applies to the lilac, which also belongs to the olive family.

Allergy sufferers should avoid the vicinity of flowering rapeseed fields to prevent possible symptoms.

The horse chestnut, which is often planted as an avenue and park tree, is in bloom. This plant is pollinated by insects, so its pollen is rarely found in the air and is of little relevance from an allergological point of view.

Other types of pollen in the ambient air: yew, elderberry, mulberry, carnations, roses, sour grasses and cypresses. These are of minor allergological significance.