Forecast

Fungal spore levels remain high, with ragweed pollen travelling long distances over the weekend!

On Thursday afternoon, there will be widespread rain across Lower Austria. The rain will wash pollen out of the air and reduce pollen levels. Following the rainfall, high concentrations of fungal spores are possible once again, as fungi tend to release more spores after it has rained. It will remain cloudy on Friday, but the sun will shine widely over the weekend with temperatures around 20 °C. Local ragweed populations have largely finished flowering. However, intense pollen dispersal is still possible in the immediate vicinity of dense stands. The majority of herbaceous allergenic plants, such as mugwort, grasses, stinging nettles and plantain, have already finished flowering and are now releasing only small amounts of pollen.

The low to at most moderate pollen levels from local ragweed populations may be exacerbated at the weekend by pollen carried in from further afield. This is because, from Saturday onwards, winds will be blowing from the east. In eastern Lower Austria in particular, this may lead to high pollen levels for people who are sensitive to ragweed.

As soon as the sun comes out, annual mugwort and Katschatka mugwort may cause localised symptoms. 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 these four composite flowers should be avoided by sensitised individuals.

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