Forecast

Pollen and fungal spores are causing problems on this sunny and hot weekend!

The weather forecast promises plenty of sunshine and temperatures around 30 °C for the coming days. Under these conditions, pollen counts can rise unchecked. People with grass pollen allergies, as well as those sensitised to fungal spores, should expect moderate to high levels of pollen and fungal spores in the second half of the week.

In the lowlands of Lower Austria, grass pollen concentrations are mostly at a moderate level. Locally, however – for example along streams and rivers or in woodlands – grasses may continue to release large amounts of pollen, which could lead to high levels of exposure. In the higher elevations of the Mostviertel, the Industrieviertel and the Waldviertel, a wide variety of grasses are currently in flower. This is also where the current focus of pollen levels lies. Depending on wind conditions, symptom-triggering levels of grass pollen may be carried into the valleys and low-lying areas, further increasing local pollen levels there. This is particularly likely during the afternoon and evening hours. Sorrel and plantain are also still in flower and are contributing further to pollen levels.

In the growing regions, maize is beginning to flower. Maize pollen is among the largest pollen grains in the plant kingdom and, due to its size and weight, is only carried over short distances. Consequently, elevated pollen concentrations are to be expected primarily near flowering maize fields.

Although the number of flowering mugwort plants is steadily increasing, it will still be a few days before widespread flowering occurs. Plants that are already flowering may cause initial localised exposure.

Allergy sufferers who are sensitised to fungal spores should be aware of moderate to high levels of exposure over the next few days. Concentrations rise particularly in the vicinity of fields being harvested. Threshing stirs up large quantities of fine dust and spores. Staying at higher altitudes minimises exposure, as spore concentrations decrease with increasing altitude.

In addition to the pollen types already mentioned, pollen from bee balm, nettle family plants, umbellifers, acid grasses, papilionaceous plants and juniperhttps://www.polleninformation.at/allergie/pflanzenkompass/zypressengewaechse-cupressaceae. However, these pose only a very low allergenic risk.