Forecast

Ragweed and mugwort are in bloom!

Pollen levels from mugwort, goosefoot and amaranth plants remain high. At the same time, more and more ragweed plants are coming into flower, so ragweed pollen levels are expected to rise over the forecast period. Grass pollen, on the other hand, now plays only a minor role.

Mugwort pollen dispersal has reached its peak, with many plants currently in full bloom. In dry weather, people who are allergic to mugwort pollen may experience significant symptoms, particularly in areas close to human-modified sites, on fallow fields and along unmown meadows and verges. Pollen is released mainly during the morning hours. In the afternoon and evening, mugwort pollen counts usually drop significantly.

An increasing number of ragweed plants (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) are also coming into flower and releasing pollen. Ragweed is now widespread, particularly in the central region of Carinthia. High pollen concentrations may already occur locally in the immediate vicinity of ragweed stands. The highest levels of ragweed pollen are usually expected in the early morning. Urban areas are generally only affected to a limited extent by this locally elevated pollen count.

Grass pollen counts continue to decline and now cause only minor allergic symptoms in some local areas. Elevated pollen concentrations may still occur sporadically near reed beds and from late-flowering forest and fallow grasses.

Other types of pollen that may currently trigger allergic symptoms in isolated cases come mainly from stinging nettles, as well as broad-leaved and ribwort plantain.

Dr Susanne Aigner