Forecast

The mugwort pollen season has reached its peak – the recent rainfall has brought temporary relief!

The rainy weather of the past few days has significantly reduced pollen concentrations in the air throughout Tyrol, bringing temporary relief to many allergy sufferers. However, with the return of sunnier and drier weather, pollen concentrations are expected to rise again. Mugwort remains the most significant allergenic pollen type at present, with the season currently reaching its peak.

Mugwort pollen: The mugwort pollen season has now reached its peak in Tyrol. The recent rainfall has temporarily reduced pollen concentrations. Mugwort has a high allergenic potential, and locally, pollen levels can be significantly higher near large flowering stands, particularly on roadsides, along paths and field margins, as well as on fallow land and other disturbed sites. The good news is that the seasonal peak has now been reached, and a gradual decline in mugwort pollen concentrations is expected from next week onwards.

Ragweed/Ambrosia: Ambrosia is another highly allergenic plant that becomes more prevalent during the late-summer pollen season. Several smaller hotspots are known to exist in Tyrol. In addition, there is a larger area between Rietz and Haiming where ragweed is spreading. To closely monitor pollen concentrations in this area, we have once again installed a pollen trap in Mötz this year. So far, the ragweed pollen concentrations measured there have remained low. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and will keep you updated on further developments. People with ragweed allergies who live in or are visiting the area between Rietz and Haiming should remain vigilant over the coming weeks.

Grass pollen: Grass pollen concentrations have stabilised at a low level throughout Tyrol. The flowering season for most grasses is now largely over, so pollen concentrations are expected to remain low for the rest of the season. Locally, levels may still be slightly higher in the immediate vicinity of mountain meadows, pastures and other grass-rich areas. Plantain and sorrel pollen are also present in the air in low concentrations.

Other pollen types: Pollen from the nettle family (Urticaceae) remains common in the air. Despite its frequent occurrence, nettle pollen is of only minor allergenic significance in Tyrol and does not usually cause problems for allergy sufferers.

Fungal spores: Concentrations of airborne fungal spores in Tyrol remain in the moderate to high range. Rainfall and increased humidity promote fungal growth and spore production. Consequently, concentrations may rise following wet spells and trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Weather, pollen levels and practical advice: The recent rainfall has significantly reduced the amount of pollen in the air. With the return of sunnier and drier weather, pollen concentrations are expected to rise again temporarily, particularly for mugwort. However, as the mugwort pollen season is now past its peak, levels should gradually decrease from next week onwards. People with ragweed allergies should remain particularly vigilant in the area between Rietz and Haiming, where the plant is spreading and pollen concentrations are being monitored by our measuring station in Mötz. So far, the ragweed pollen concentrations measured there have remained low. Whilst rain provides relief from pollen levels, it can have the opposite effect on fungal spores: following damp and rainy periods, spore concentrations can rise significantly.