Forecast

Rain on Friday will bring some temporary relief!

Apart from Friday, it will remain sunny and dry in Vorarlberg. The rain on Friday will give those with pollen allergies a brief respite. On Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, however, pollen will be able to circulate freely. Moderate pollen levels are expected, with high levels in some areas.

In the lowlands, grass pollen concentrations will mostly be moderate. Locally, particularly along streams or in deciduous forests, there may be high levels of grass pollen. Mowing has also contributed to a slight reduction in grass pollen levels. However, a large number of grasses are still in flower on alpine pastures and mountain meadows. People who are sensitive to grasses should bear this in mind when planning a mountain hike. Sorrel and plantain are also still in flower, further increasing pollen levels.

The flowering season for sweet chestnut and privet is drawing to a close. Allergy-relevant pollen concentrations now only occur in the immediate vicinity of these trees and hedge shrubs. The sweet chestnut can trigger cross-reactions in people who are sensitive to beech or birch trees. Privet is a popular hedge shrub and is of significance for pollen allergy sufferers who react to olive trees.

In the valleys, the lime trees have largely finished flowering, whilst specimens are still in bloom at higher altitudes. As their flowers are adapted to insect pollination, their pollen is rarely found in the air. However, the scent of their blossoms 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 levels to rise sharply in the short term. People who are sensitised to fungal spores should avoid the vicinity of recently harvested fields. Threshing cereals stirs up large quantities of fine dust and fungal spores. As altitude increases, the level of fungal spores decreases noticeably.

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