Forecast

The grass pollen season is shifting to higher altitudes!

Tyrol is currently experiencing a prolonged heatwave with very warm and predominantly dry weather. We wish everyone a good and healthy week and recommend ensuring adequate protection and staying well-hydrated during the hot days. These weather conditions continue to favour the production and spread of pollen. Whilst grass pollen concentrations in the valleys are now slowly declining, the grass pollen season is increasingly shifting to higher altitudes, where allergen levels are currently rising.

Grasses remain the dominant type of allergenic pollen in Tyrol. In many valley areas and at lower altitudes, a gradual decline in pollen concentrations is now being observed, as the flowering season for many grasses is drawing to a close. Nevertheless, moderate to locally high allergen levels may still occur, particularly in warm and dry weather. Many allergy sufferers in Tyrol continue to report moderate to severe symptoms.

Grass pollen: At the same time, the peak of the grass pollen season is increasingly shifting to higher altitudes. At altitudes of around 1,500 metres above sea level, high allergen levels may currently be experienced, whilst at altitudes of around 2,000 metres, moderate levels are now frequently recorded. Meadows, pastures and other grass-rich areas continue to have the highest pollen concentrations and represent the main sources of exposure for people with grass allergies.

In addition to grass pollen, plantain and sorrel pollen are also present in the air. Plantain pollen has moderate allergenic potential and frequently affects people who are already sensitised to grass pollen. Sorrel pollen is considered less allergenic, but can further exacerbate symptoms during the grass pollen season.

Green alder pollen: The green alder pollen season is now drawing to a close. At present, only low pollen concentrations are being detected.

Sweet chestnut pollen: Small amounts of sweet chestnut pollen are currently being detected in the air. In Tyrol, sweet chestnut trees are mainly found in parks and gardens. As they are predominantly pollinated by insects, their pollen usually remains close to the flowering trees. Although sweet chestnut pollen is of only minor allergenic significance, it can occasionally cause symptoms in people with a birch pollen allergy due to possible cross-reactions.

Other types of pollen: In addition, pollen from spruce, pine, cypresses, elder, lime, stinging nettle, sour grasses and other herbaceous plants is being detected. However, these types of pollen are of only minor allergenic relevance.

Fungal spores: The current hot and dry weather is not particularly conducive to the formation of fungal spores. However, the thunderstorms expected over the coming days and the associated rise in humidity are likely to encourage fungal growth. As a result, concentrations of fungal spores in the air may rise following rainfall and cause additional allergic symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Weather, pollen levels and practical advice: The current heatwave is expected to continue over the coming days. Whilst isolated thunderstorms may temporarily reduce pollen concentrations in the air, they can simultaneously increase the risk of thunderstorm-induced asthma. During such storms, pollen grains break down into tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger severe allergic reactions or asthma attacks. People with allergies should therefore keep a close eye on the latest pollen and weather forecasts, limit their time in grassy areas as much as possible during warm and dry spells, and, where possible, stay indoors and keep windows closed during thunderstorms.