Forecast

Persistent heat and high grass pollen levels!

The heatwave is expected to reach its peak at the weekend. In Vienna, it is likely to remain dry throughout. One might think that these would be ideal conditions for pollen dispersal. However, due to the prolonged heat, combined with the lack of rainfall, only moderate concentrations of grass pollen are currently being detected in the air around Vienna.

The main source of pollen is now shifting to riverside areas and woodland. High levels of grass pollen are still possible in these areas.

In meadow areas, additional pollen levels from sorrel, foxtail plants and plantain are also to be expected.

The current weather conditions are also worsening air quality, particularly with regard to ground-level ozone. The combination of poor air quality and high pollen concentrations can significantly exacerbate symptoms for allergy sufferers.

Sweet chestnut trees are also still in bloom and may trigger cross-reactions in people in the vicinity who are sensitised to beech or birch pollen.

In addition, people who are sensitive to olive tree pollen should also expect low concentrations of privet pollen in the air.

In locations with particularly favourable climatic conditions, the first flowering mugwort plants have already been spotted. This marks the start of the herb pollen season in some areas. However, it will still be a few weeks before the plants are in full bloom across the board. Locally, however, there may already be some minor allergic symptoms.

The warm, humid weather conditions are leading to a rise in the concentration of fungal spores in the ambient air and, consequently, to a higher level of exposure for those with allergies. 

In addition to the pollen types mentioned, bee balm, nettles, acid grasses, legumes, grapevines and cypresses are also currently present in the pollen spectrum. However, these pose only a very low allergenic risk.