Forecast

A slight improvement in the weather will lead to rising pollen levels this weekend!

The weather remains changeable. However, as the weekend approaches, the sun will increasingly break through, particularly in the east. As soon as it stays dry for a longer period, it is likely that the concentration of grass pollen in the air will rise rapidly, potentially leading to high levels of pollen. In those parts of Austria where clouds and rain are more persistent, however, allergy sufferers can still expect a respite.

Weather permitting, brome grass, false oat-grass, false barley, annual meadow grass, vernal grass, cock's foot grass, ryegrass and foxtail grass are usually the main causes of the moderate to high pollen levels recorded.

In meadow areas, additional levels from sorrel and plantain are also possible.

Some rye fields are also already in bloom. Due to human influence, rye pollen is significantly larger than that of other grass species and cannot therefore be carried as far by the wind. Higher rye pollen concentrations are therefore only to be expected in the immediate vicinity of the fields.

In the higher regions of Austria, the green alder is responsible for significant pollen dispersal, weather permitting. 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 have to contend with low concentrations of olive tree pollen in the air.

In some places, 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. Usually, this plant does not flower until July and thus somewhat later than this year. Allergic skin reactions have already been documented.

Our air samples also contain increasing numbers 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.