Forecast

High ragweed pollen counts in many parts of Austria!

The week begins with pleasant late-summer weather in the wake of a cold front. Sunshine will dominate, particularly in the mornings, before clouds gradually become more frequent as Tuesday afternoon progresses. On Wednesday, the cold front will bring overcast and wet weather; rain is expected repeatedly throughout the day, and may be persistent and heavy for a time. The rainfall will provide some short-term relief for allergy sufferers. As the cold front passes through, temperatures will drop significantly compared with previous days. As the week progresses, the weather will settle down again, and with increasing sunshine, higher pollen levels are once more expected. The main allergen in southern and eastern Austria, as well as in the Inn Valley, remains ragweed at this time, alongside mugwort and fungal spores.

Ragweed is considered one of the strongest pollen allergens of all; even the smallest amounts can trigger significant allergic reactions. Due to the relatively dry summer months, this year’s season is more difficult to forecast than in previous years. On dry days with winds from the east or south-east, high to very high pollen levels are possible, as local pollen concentrations in the morning may be compounded by additional long-distance transport from Eastern and South-Eastern Europe in the afternoon. The rain on Wednesday will provide temporary relief, after which a rapid rise in pollen levels is expected.

Common mugwort has largely finished flowering in most parts of the country. Significant pollen levels are now only to be expected in the immediate vicinity of large stands. However, annual mugwort and Kamchatka mugwort are beginning to flower in isolated cases, meaning that levels may rise again over the course of the coming week. As mugwort and ragweed both belong to the Asteraceae family, cross-reactions are possible.

The grass pollen season is largely over. Significant pollen levels are currently only coming from ornamental grasses in urban areas and from the onset of reed flowering. Particularly near extensive reed beds, such as those around Lake Neusiedl, grass pollen concentrations may rise again locally and cause renewed symptoms in sensitised individuals.

Fungal spore levels remain high. A sharp rise in concentrations is expected, particularly in the hours following Wednesday’s rainfall. Those affected should, where possible, limit their time outdoors immediately after the rain.

Pollen from stinging nettles, hemp, foxtail plants and plantain continues to be present in the pollen mix. However, these pose only a low allergenic risk.