Forecast

Another heatwave and rising mugwort pollen levels!

Following a very changeable start to the week, particularly in the west and north of the country, a subtropical warm air flow from south-western Europe will bring the next heatwave to Austria as the week progresses. This will have only a marginal effect on grass pollen levels, as concentrations are generally still only low to moderate. However, particularly at the start of the week, rainfall may lead to a sharp rise in fungal spores in the air. The amount of mugwort pollen will also increase in some places over the coming days. 

Moderate levels of grass pollen are still expected along river courses and in woodlands, whereas levels in meadows are already falling. Only along maize fields may more severe symptoms still occur, as this plant species begins to flower quite late in the season.

Along paths and roadsides, additional exposure to pollen from sorrel, goosefoot plants and plantain is to be expected.

In the east of the country, symptoms caused by mugwort pollen are becoming increasingly common. The pollen from this composite flower can cause severe symptoms even at very low concentrations, 

Ragweed is also growing and sprouting; it will take until August for it to flower. If you spot ragweed populations whilst out and about, you are welcome 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 reviewed 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 sightings to take further action.

The changeable weather in the west of the country is causing high concentrations of fungal spores to be released, particularly those of the genera Alternaria and Cladosporium.

In addition to the pollen types already mentioned, pollen from bee balm, nettle plants, acid grasses, papilionaceous plants, grapevines and cypresses is currently also present in the pollen spectrum. However, these pose only a very low allergenic risk.