Forecast

The weather remains changeable, with fluctuating levels of fungal spores and pollen!

This week in September will start sunny throughout Styria. However, heavy rainfall is to be expected from Monday evening to Tuesday afternoon. This means a brief period of relief for allergy sufferers. Towards the middle of the week, the weather situation will improve and there will be more sunshine from Wechsel to Murau. As a result, concentrations of pollen and fungal spores may reach a moderate to high level again.

The flowering of the highly allergenic neophyte ragweed is progressing in Styria. A concentration of just ten pollen grains per cubic metre of air can trigger allergic symptoms. In eastern and southern Styria, dense populations of this composite plant can occur in pumpkin, soya and sunflower fields. Localised ragweed contamination can be intensified by ragweed pollen blown in. Especially on days with wind currents from the east and south-east, ragweed pollen can reach areas that are not yet infested by this neophyte through long-distance transport.

Annual mugwort is also in flower. This weed favours dry grassland and sites heavily influenced by humans, for example on the edges of fields or paths and on scree slopes. Sensitised people should avoid dense stands, especially in the morning hours.

The Canadian goldenrod is also currently in bloom. It is of interest to people who are sensitised to mugwort or ragweed, as its pollen can cause additional stress due to cross-reactions.

Reeds bloom around Styrian lakes and bodies of water, which can affect people who are sensitised to grasses. In the valleys and on the mountain pastures, there are still some grasses in bloom. Other herbs that are still in bloom are stinging nettle and plantain. However, these only pose a low risk to sensitised people.

During rainfall, these fungal spores are washed out of the air and people who are sensitised to them can expect short-term relief. However, as soon as the rain stops, the concentrations of fungal sp ores quickly rise again. At higher altitudes and above the tree line, the levels of fungal spores are noticeably lower.

Pollen from umbellifers, ivy, hemp, hops, balsam, goosefoot and cypress plants have also been detected in the ambient air. These are of minor allergological significance.