Forecast

A bit of rain on Monday, with mugwort and ragweed in the air!

On Monday, there will be regional showers and local thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon on the southern side of the Alps. However, there will also be prolonged periods of sunshine, particularly in the east, where there will only be scattered showers in the lowlands. There is hardly any rainfall in sight for the rest of the week, so allergy sufferers must brace themselves for persistently high pollen levels. The main culprits are the two composite flowers, mugwort and ragweed, as well as the still high levels of fungal spores.

The herb pollen season is in full swing and currently presents a mixed picture across Austria. In eastern Austria, ragweed is already causing significant levels of pollen. As local populations are now in bloom, high to very high concentrations may occur, particularly in the early morning. In the west of the country, mugwort flowering is still in full swing and is causing moderate to high pollen concentrations in the ambient air. In eastern Austria, however, the flowering of common mugwort has already passed its peak. However, the first flowering specimens of annual mugwort have already been spotted. This plant reaches its peak flowering period in September. As ragweed and mugwort belong to the Asteraceae family, cross-reactions are possible. People with sensitivities should avoid areas with dense stands of the plant.

If you come across ragweed populations whilst out and about, you can report the plant via the Ragweed Finder app or at ragweedfinder.at, thereby informing the relevant authorities in the federal states about the presence of this invasive plant.

In all nine federal states, grass pollen counts now play only a minor role. An increase in pollen levels is generally only to be expected in towns due to the flowering of ornamental grasses, and near large reed beds, such as those around Lake Neusiedl. However, pollen from foxtail grasses, stinging nettles and plantains is still present in the air and may further exacerbate symptoms for people with allergies.

Fungal spore levels remain high.

In addition to the pollen types already mentioned, pollen from hemp, carnation and cypress plants is currently also present in the pollen spectrum. However, these have only a very low allergenic potential.