Forecast

Mugwort and ragweed are in full bloom in Carinthia!

Mugwort and ragweed are currently causing high levels of allergy symptoms. Whilst mugwort has now peaked, ragweed pollen levels are set to increase in intensity over the forecast period. In areas with large ragweed populations, levels may already reach high levels. Grass pollen, on the other hand, now plays only a minor role.

Mugwort pollen levels will peak during the forecast period. Mugwort thrives particularly well in areas heavily influenced by human activity, on fallow fields, and in unmown meadows and along roadsides up to an altitude of 1,200 metres. Here, the plants are now largely in full bloom. In such locations, very high levels of mugwort pollen may occur locally during the forecast period. Pollen is released mainly during the morning hours. In the afternoon and evening, mugwort pollen levels usually drop significantly.

Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is also now increasingly coming into flower. It is now widespread in the central region of Carinthia; larger stands are found primarily along main roads in Central Carinthia, in the Upper Drau Valley between Möllbrücke and Greifenburg, along the Gail Valley feeder road between the motorway and Nötsch, along the motorway towards Wolfsberg, as well as between Villach and the Karawanken Tunnel, and in the Jaun and Lavant valleys. In these areas, high pollen concentrations may already occur locally. As with ragweed, the highest pollen levels are usually expected in the early morning.

Grass pollen levels have now fallen significantly and are only likely to cause mild allergic symptoms locally. The mountain hay meadows have also already been mown, so they no longer contribute to any significant pollen levels. Short-term increases in grass pollen concentrations may still occur near areas of recent felling, along rivers and on forest tracks.

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

Dr Susanne Aigner