Forecast

Lightning, thunder and heat, fungal spores and grasses continue to be a burden!

It will be a hot and thundery second half of the week in Styria. During thunderstorms, sudden changes in humidity and air pressure can cause pollen grains to burst open and the resulting particles to penetrate deeper into the lungs. This can trigger severe allergic reactions or asthma attacks - a phenomenon known as thunderstorm asthma. Even though rain usually brings short-term relief, allergy sufferers should stay indoors during thunderstorms and keep the windows closed to minimise the risk.

Due to the mowing and the end of the mass dusting of early flowering grasses, the pollen load drops to a moderate level. The first cereal fields are already being threshed. During the harvest, sensitised people should avoid the vicinity of these fields.

In hot and dry weather conditions, dock and plantain are particularly dusty and can intensely affect sensitised people. Stinging nettles are also in flower and can lead to exposure.

The first specimens of mugwort are blooming in eastern and southern Styria, but it will be another one to two weeks before the flowers are in full bloom. Allergy sufferers who are sensitised to mugwort should avoid typical locations with dense stands, such as dry grassland, field edges or next to road verges.

The sweet chestnut blossom has passed its peak and has flowered particularly strongly this year. Although it is categorised as a low allergen, cross-reactions can often occur due to structural similarities between the main allergen and birch.

Lime trees and privet have already reached the peak of their flowering in Styria. Although lime pollen is of little relevance from an allergological point of view, the scent of the flowers can cause irritation in sensitive people. Privet is important for people who are sensitised to olive trees, as they should avoid direct contact with this plant.

Moderate to high concentrations of fungal spores can be reached during this week. Particularly high levels are reached in the vicinity of grain fields that are being threshed. These areas should be avoided by sensitised persons. A sharp increase in fungal spore concentrations is also possible after precipitation.

Other types of pollen in the ambient air: umbellifers, goosefoot and buttercup plants as well as clove and cypress plants. These are of minor allergological importance.