Forecast

Rain and sun alternate, the pollen load goes up and down!

Initially, the weather forecast promises us sunny and warm days with ideal conditions for the pollen count. From Saturday evening, the first rain showers move through Lower Austria, heralding the start of wetter days. People who are sensitized to pollen will therefore have to get used to a high pollen load at first. However, the rain will be accompanied by a phase of relief.

In the Waldviertel and at higher altitudes in the Limestone Alps, there are still some birch, ash and hornbeam trees in bloom. These mainly cause pollution locally, but their pollen can be transported to the lowlands or neighboring areas of Lower Austria if there are suitable wind currents.

On the other hand, oaks, beeches and walnuts are still in full bloom. All three have allergens that are related to those of the birch family. These can cause cross-reactions in people sensitized to birch plants.

For allergy sufferers who are sensitized to olive trees , there are currently two important flowering ornamental shrubs that can cause problems, namely lilac and manna ash. Both are insect-pollinated and therefore produce smaller amounts of pollen than the common ash. However, sensitized persons should avoid the immediate vicinity of or direct contact with these plants.

The plane tree has reached the peak of its flowering period. However, it can still cause low to moderate levels of pollution in residential areas.

Various grasses, such as annual bluegrass, foxtail grass and meadow grass, are already flowering on roadsides and in sunny meadows. However, the comprehensive start of flowering for Lower Austria is not expected until the beginning of May (see flowering model). Particularly at the beginning, some of the model data still shows a wide range of fluctuation and only becomes more reliable as the season progresses.

The white flakes that can already be seen sporadically in the air are poplar absorbent cotton. It cannot itself cause allergic reactions as it is not pollen but poplar seeds and seed hairs. The flight of poplar absorbent cotton usually coincides with the start of flowering of the grasses.

Other types of pollen in the ambient air: maple, boxwood, pine, mulberry, roses, horse chestnut, sour grasses and cypresses. These are of minor allergological importance.

Forecast from 01.05.2025

Note: The data shown here are model data for the expected start of flowering. For more detailed information on the expected pollen count, please refer to the text forecasts.