Forecast

Hot days are just around the corner and the grass pollen season is in full swing!

The week will start off cloudy, and the weather will remain changeable across much of Austria. During sunny spells, grass pollen levels may be moderate to high. Depending on how heavy the rain is, it may reduce pollen levels and provide short-term relief for those with pollen allergies. Temperatures will rise by mid-week, and daily highs of around 30 °C are forecast for the second half of the week. At these temperatures, the likelihood of thunderstorms increases. Thunderstorms with increased lightning activity can cause pollen to burst open. This can release large quantities of the allergen into the air and lead to very sudden spikes in pollen levels, known as ‘thunderstorm asthma’.

Grass pollen remains the main allergen. In addition to couch grass, brome grass and false oat grass, honey grass, cock's foot grass, tufted hairgrass and foxtail grass are also responsible for the measurable pollen levels. In meadow areas, additional burden from sorrel and plantain is also possible.

Cereals continue to flower in their growing regions and may cause additional grass pollen exposure locally. The pollen of cereals such as rye or wheat is significantly larger than that of other grass species and cannot therefore be carried as far by the wind. 

Weather permitting, the green alder causes pollen levels to rise in the mountainous regions of Austria. Its pollen can trigger allergic symptoms in people who are sensitised to other alder species or birch trees. During prolonged dry spells, its pollen can be carried by long-distance transport into valley areas and lowlands, where it can cause symptoms.

In the east and south of Austria, sweet chestnut trees are in bloom and may trigger cross-reactions in people in the vicinity who are sensitised to beech or birch trees.

Also in the east and south of the country, people who are allergic to olive tree pollen should be prepared for the possibility of low concentrations of olive tree pollen in the air. Privet is also significant for this group of pollen allergy sufferers.

Linden blossom is slowly coming to an end. As the flowers of this plant are adapted to insect pollination, they are generally quite rare in the air. However, their scent can irritate the airways of sensitive individuals. 

At higher altitudes, conifers such as mountain pine can still be found in bloom. From an allergy perspective, however, this plant is of little relevance.

The tree of heaven is in bloom. This is a neophyte from Asia that spreads in nutrient-poor and dry locations such as railway embankments or wasteland. Allergic skin reactions have already been documented.

The warm, humid weather conditions are leading to an increase in fungal spore concentrations in the ambient air and thus also to a higher burden for those with allergies. 

In addition to the pollen types mentioned, the pollen spectrum currently also includes nettles, umbellifers, poaceae, papilionaceae, spirea, vines and cypresses. However, these pose only a very low allergenic risk.