Forecast

Thunderstorms, rain and a bit of a relief!

During the first half of the week, there will be frequent thunderstorms and rain in Vorarlberg. The rainfall reduces pollen levels, as it washes the pollen out of the air and prevents it from being released. For people with pollen allergies, this means a brief period of relief during the grass pollen season.

The peak of the grass flowering season is now in Vorarlberg’s mountain regions. As long as the sun is out, low to moderate pollen concentrations in the ambient air are possible over the coming days. A wide variety of grasses are currently flowering in Vorarlberg. These include finger millet, couch grass, brome grass, as well as meadow grass, reed grass, rye grass, dogtail grass, cock's foot grass and foxtail grass. The flowering of sorrel and plantain is also progressing and may increase pollen levels.

Note: During thunderstorms with increased lightning activity, pollen grains may burst open. This can release large quantities of the allergen into the air and lead to very sudden spikes in pollen levels, known as ‘thunderstorm asthma’.

At our monitoring station in Feldkirch, only isolated instances of green alder pollen have been recorded. Within its range at altitudes above 1,000 metres above sea level, only a few specimens of this alder species are still in flower.

In the built-up areas of Vorarlberg, the sweet chestnut and privet are still in flower, but have already passed their peak flowering period. The sweet chestnut can trigger cross-reactions in people who are sensitised to beech or birch plants. Privet is a popular hedge shrub and is of significance to people with pollen allergies who react to olive family plants, as it can cause exposure in the immediate vicinity.

In the valleys, the lime trees have largely finished flowering, whilst specimens still in bloom can be found at higher altitudes. As their flowers are adapted to insect pollination, their pollen is rarely found in the air. However, their floral scent can irritate the airways of sensitive individuals.

The warm, damp weather over the coming days will lead to a rise in fungal spore concentrations. Fungi release spores more readily, particularly after rainfall, which can cause a sharp short-term increase in spore levels.

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