Forecast

Changeable weather, fluctuating pollen counts, fungal spores 

On Monday, rainfall will reduce pollen counts across Lower Austria. On Tuesday and Wednesday, it will be slightly cloudy, but the sun will come out, meaning pollen counts will pick up again slightly. Ragweed is still in full bloom. However, as this introduced plant is highly allergenic and even a few pollen grains per cubic metre of air can trigger symptoms, moderate to high concentrations can be reached quickly in sunny weather. The spread of fungal spores is also encouraged by the alternating rain and sunshine. People with fungal spore allergies should prepare for moderate to high levels of exposure.

Ragweed releases its pollen mainly in the morning. Dense stands of ragweed can be found on railway embankments, at rubble sites, along roadsides and in soya, pumpkin and sunflower fields. On Tuesdays, westerly winds predominate. These can lead to the long-distance transport of ragweed pollen from neighbouring countries, which may be significant for allergy sufferers. This can intensify local ragweed pollen levels.

Late-flowering mugwort species, such as annual mugwort and Kachka mugwort, continue to flower and may cause localised pollution. Canadian goldenrod is also in flower. For allergy sufferers who are sensitised to mugwort or ragweed, Canadian goldenrod can trigger cross-reactions. Dense stands of this composite flower should be avoided by sensitised individuals.

Most grasses have already finished flowering in Lower Austria. Along still and flowing waters, reed has already passed the peak of its flowering season. However, people with allergies who are sensitised to grasses should still be mindful of reed pollen when out walking. Plantain, goosefoot and nettle pollen are also currently being detected at our monitoring stations.

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