Forecast

Pollen warning service Upper Austria from 26 February to 3 March 2025

With the heatwave, the pollen load from grasses generally drops to a low midsummer level. In contrast, the high temperatures favour plantain and goosefoot plants. Occasionally, pollen from the allergenic mugwort also appears, which usually only reaches its maximum in August. Pollen from stinging nettle and spirea is often still in the air, but is of little allergological relevance. Among cereals, rye has largely finished flowering, while maize is beginning to flower. Of the trees, lime and, mainly from long-distance flights, sweet chestnut are worth mentioning.

During thunderstorms, sudden changes in humidity and air pressure can cause pollen grains to burst and the resulting particles to penetrate deeper into the lungs. This can trigger severe allergic reactions or asthma attacks - a phenomenon known as thunderstorm asthma. Even though rain usually brings short-term relief, allergy sufferers should stay indoors during thunderstorms and keep the windows closed to minimise the risk.