Forecast

The next weather front is set to bring some relief!

After a sunny start to the week, the next weather front will spread across the country from the west as early as Tuesday. It will bring lower temperatures and, in places, heavy rainfall, which could bring pollen counts to a standstill across large parts of Austria. Those with grass pollen allergies are currently benefiting most from this. It is not until Thursday that more hours of sunshine and rising temperatures are expected, which will also cause pollen levels to rise again.

Weather permitting, couch grass, brome grass, smooth oat grass, as well as sweet vernal grass, tall fescue, meadow grass, tufted hairgrass and foxtail grass are the sources of the expected pollen levels. Peak levels are not expected in the coming days. However, as soon as the dry weather returns for a prolonged period, a rapid rise in pollen levels is to be expected. 

In meadow areas, additional levels may also be caused by sorrel and plantain.

In large parts of the country, cereal fields are also in bloom and may therefore cause additional local exposure to grass pollen. Due to human influence, 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. 

In the higher regions of Austria, the green alder causes pollen levels to rise, weather permitting. Its pollen can trigger allergic symptoms in people who are sensitised to other alder species or birch trees.

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

The linden blossom has already passed its peak. 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, 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 relevance.

The tree of heaven, which is found in nutrient-poor and dry locations (such as railway embankments or wasteland), may already be releasing pollen. This is a neophyte from Asia that is spreading as an invasive plant in temperate or Mediterranean climate zones. This plant usually only flowers from July onwards, and thus somewhat later than this year. 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, consequently, to increased symptoms for those with allergies.