Forecast

Grass pollen levels remain high!

It will remain hot and dry across the country for the rest of the week. It is not until Saturday and Sunday that the weather will become more changeable, with rain or thunderstorms expected almost everywhere. Depending on the intensity of this rainfall, people who are sensitive to grass pollen may experience some relief. This is because a number of widespread grass species, such as brome grass, false oat-grass, false barley, annual meadow grass, vernal grass, cock's foot grass, ryegrass and foxtail grass, are already flowering in the lowlands and valleys of the country. Those affected can currently still seek refuge in dense deciduous forests or at altitudes above 1,500 metres above sea level to escape the intense pollen levels. However, even there, pollen levels will increase dramatically as the season progresses.

In meadow areas, additional exposure from dock and plantain is also possible.

In addition to naturally occurring grass species, rye fields are also beginning to flower in some regions. Due to human influence, rye pollen grains are significantly larger than those of other grass species and cannot therefore be carried as far by the wind. Higher concentrations of rye pollen are therefore only to be expected in the immediate vicinity of the fields.

Please note: Thunderstorms may occur over the weekend. This weather phenomenon can cause pollen grains to burst, releasing allergens into the air. This can lead to sudden spikes in pollen levels and the associated symptoms. You should therefore check the severe weather forecast to find out in good time whether ‘thunderstorm asthma’ is likely to occur.

In the higher regions of Austria, the green alder continues to contribute to significant pollen levels. This can cause symptoms in people who are sensitised to the pollen of other alder species, as well as in those who react with allergic symptoms to other birch trees.

In the east and south of the country, people who are sensitive to olive tree pollen may need to expect low concentrations of olive tree pollen in the air.

Linden blossom is in full swing. As the flowers of this plant are adapted to insect pollination, they are generally rarely found in the air. However, their scent can irritate the airways of sensitive individuals.

At higher altitudes, conifer pollen is also still present in the air. This is released by the Swiss stone pines still in bloom there. From an allergological perspective, however, this is of little significance.

Our air samples also contain increasing amounts of fungal spores, which can cause symptoms in people with allergies.

In addition to the pollen types mentioned, the pollen spectrum currently also includes nettles, umbellifers, elder, black locust, sour grasses, papilionaceous plants, spirea, walnut and cypresses. However, these pose only a very low allergenic risk.