Forecast

The heatwave continues with high grass pollen load, but rain is set to bring relief from Sunday onwards!

In the second half of the week, temperatures will remain at 30 °C across much of Lower Austria. On Thursday and Friday, it will remain dry and sunny in all four districts. As a result, pollen counts will remain high, and allergy sufferers should brace themselves for high levels of pollen. From Saturday, the first thunderstorms will occur in eastern Lower Austria. From Sunday, widespread rain is expected to continue into next week. This rainfall will provide some relief for those with pollen allergies.  

Tall-growing grasses are currently the main source of allergens in the ambient air. These include brome, false oatgrass, honey grass, flase barley, tufted grass, cock's foot grass  and foxtail grass. Even at higher altitudes, the number of flowering grasses is steadily increasing. In larger deciduous forest areas, the level of grass pollen is lower. As long as the weather remains dry and sunny, allergy sufferers who are sensitive to grass pollen should, if possible, limit their time outdoors.

Rye and other cereal crops have begun to flower. As the pollen from these cultivated grasses is relatively large and therefore does not travel far, high pollen counts are only expected in the immediate vicinity of these fields.

Please note: Before thunderstorms with increased lightning activity, pollen may burst open. This can release large quantities of allergens into the air, leading to very sudden spikes in pollen levels that do not necessarily correlate with pollen dispersal.

In terms of meadows, the sorrel and plantain species, which are now also in bloom, may further increase pollen levels. Nettles are also flowering.

At altitudes above 1,000 metres above sea level, green alders are in bloom. This is also where the main concentration of pollen lies. As long as the weather remains sunny, pollen can be carried into the lowlands and valleys if the wind direction is favourable. This may affect people who are sensitive to birch trees. 

Linden trees are in full bloom from the Enns to the March. As their flowers are adapted to insect pollination, they are rarely found in the air. However, their floral scent can irritate the airways of sensitive individuals.

Fungal spores have become more prevalent, with the first allergy-relevant quantities already present in the air, which will affect those with sensitivities. Fungi release their spores more frequently, particularly after rainfall.

In addition to the pollen types already mentioned, pollen from pine, spruce, umbellifers, elder, papilionaceous plants and cypresses is currently also present in the pollen spectrum. However, these pose only a very low allergenic risk.