Forecast

The first peak of mugwort pollen levels this season is just around the corner!

The weather forecast for the coming week predicts plenty of sunshine and high temperatures once again. In Vienna, it will remain dry and hot throughout. Allergy sufferers should expect high levels of mugwort and ragweed pollen, as well as fungal spores, over the coming days. Occasionally, grass pollen also reaches significant concentrations in the ambient air.

Mugwort is a herbaceous plant that is mainly found in areas heavily influenced by human activity. Unlike most composite flowers, it is predominantly wind-pollinated and can cause significant symptoms even at low concentrations. The first peak in pollen levels is expected in the course of this week or at the start of next week.

Grass pollen levels are continuing to decline in Vienna as well and are now causing only minor symptoms.
Along paths and roadsides, additional pollen levels from sorrel, goosefoot plants and plantain are to be expected.

Ragweed pollen has also already been detected in Vienna. However, these pollen grains most likely do not yet originate from local populations, but have been carried here by long-distance transport from the east. For those with allergies, exposure is already a reality, though it depends heavily on prevailing wind conditions. As ragweed and mugwort belong to the same family (Asteraceae), cross-reactions can occur between the two. It will be some time yet before local populations are in full bloom and cause sustained exposure.
If you spot ragweed populations whilst out and about, please feel free to report them via the citizen science platform ‘Ragweed Finder’. Reports can be submitted either via the website ragweedfinder.at or via the app (for Android and iOS). The reports are checked 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.