Forecast

Mugwort is in the air; the heat may trigger thunderstorms!

The heatwave continues. It will be very hot again across the whole country over the coming days. In the mountainous regions, and as the week progresses in other parts of Austria too, afternoon and evening thunderstorms are expected, some of which may be severe. This is particularly relevant for people with pollen allergies: during thunderstorms with heavy lightning activity, pollen grains can burst, releasing large quantities of the allergen. This can lead to sudden spikes in pollen levels, which may trigger what is known as thunderstorm asthma.
In terms of pollen levels, mugwort pollen is currently on the rise, whilst grass pollen levels continue to fall.

Moderate levels of grass pollen are still to be expected along river courses and in woodlands, whereas levels in meadows are already falling. Maize flowering has also already peaked or passed its peak in most regions. However, high levels of pollen are still to be expected in the vicinity of these fields.

Along the edges of paths and roads, additional levels of sorrel, goosefoot and plantain are 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, please feel free 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 stinging nettles, hemp, carnations and cypresses is currently also present in the pollen spectrum. However, these pose only a very low allergenic risk.