Forecast

Some relief at the start of the week, then it’ll get hot again and the pollen will be in the air!

On Monday, there will be widespread and heavy rain across Vorarlberg. Whilst the rain will bring some relief to those with pollen allergies, fungi release more spores after rainfall. This can lead to high pollen counts. From Tuesday, the sun will return and temperatures will rise above the 30-degree mark again. Under these conditions, pollen will be released unhindered and moderate levels of pollen may occur.

In the low-lying areas of Vorarlberg, the main flowering season for grasses has already passed, and exposure levels are generally only low to moderate. Locally, however – for example along streams and rivers or in woodlands – grasses may continue to release significant amounts of pollen, which could lead to high pollen levels. At altitudes above 1,500 metres, grasses are still in bloom and may cause allergy-relevant pollen dispersal. As soon as the sun comes out and the flower heads have dried out, the pollen can be carried down into the lowlands. This can increase local pollen levels in the afternoon and evening. 

Maize is in flower in the areas where it is grown. People who are sensitive to grass pollen should be aware of flowering maize fields. Maize pollen is among the largest in the plant kingdom and therefore travels only short distances. As a result, intense pollen dispersal occurs only in the immediate vicinity of maize fields. Nettles, sorrel and plantain are also still in flower and contribute further to the pollen load.

Common mugwort is flowering in Vorarlberg. However, it will not reach its peak flowering until August. As its pollen is highly allergenic, people with sensitivities should avoid areas with dense stands of the plant (e.g. on railway embankments, rubbish tips, roadsides, and along the Rhine and the Ill). For this group of allergy sufferers, cross-reactions to celery, carrots and camomile may occur.

Ragweed is also growing and sprouting; it will be some time yet before it flowers, well into August. If you spot ragweed populations whilst out and about, you are welcome to report them via the ‘Ragweed Finder’ citizen science platform. Reports can be submitted either via the website ragweedfinder.at or via the app (for Android and iOS). The reports are reviewed by experts from the ‘Ragweed Finder’ team, plotted on the ragweed map and forwarded at regular intervals to the relevant authorities in the federal states. These authorities can then use the reports to take further action.

The warm, humid weather is promoting the production of fungal spores. Over the coming days, people who are sensitive to fungal spores should expect moderate to high levels of spore concentration. Very high concentrations of fungal spores can be released, particularly in the vicinity of fields where harvesting is taking place. At higher altitudes, exposure levels are lower.

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