Forecast

High probability of thunderstorms, thunderstorm asthma can be an additional burden!!!

There is a high probability of thunderstorms in Lower Austria on Thursday and Friday. Ideal pollen count conditions will prevail again from Saturday, as it will be dry and hot.

During thunderstorms, sudden changes in humidity and air pressure can cause pollen to split into tiny particles that penetrate deep 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 windows closed to minimise the risk.

Although the peak phase of grass flowering is over, grasses are still the main allergen affecting sensitised people. The grasses responsible for this are couch grass, grass grass, crested wheatgrass, riding grass, bluegrass and ryegrass. Occasionally, cereal fields are still in bloom, which can lead to exposure in the immediate vicinity.

In meadows and along roadsides, plantain and dock can be an additional nuisance. Stinging nettles also bloom and their pollen can irritate sensitised people.

From the Enns to the March, the lime trees and privet have already reached the peak of their season. 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 and they should avoid direct contact with this plant.

The tree of heaven, which is widespread in Lower Austria, is in bloom. Not much is yet known about the allergen potential, but allergic skin reactions have already been documented.

In the industrial and Mostviertel regions, the green alder is in bloom. People who are sensitised to birch plants should be prepared for possible exposure when hiking through their sub-alpine distribution area. In the coming days, long-distance transport of green alder pollen into the lowlands is possible and can cause additional stress here.

Fungal spore concentrations in the ambient air will fluctuate between moderate and high in the coming days. There is often an increase in spore concentrations after precipitation.

A brief outlook for late summer: From August onwards, intensive exposure to ragweed pollen can be expected again. If you discover populations of this neophyte during outdoor activities, you can report them via the citizen science project "Ragweed Finder". The information collected will be verified by experts and forwarded to the relevant authorities of the provincial government. If you report findings now, appropriate steps can sometimes be taken before the plants flower, thus preventing the release of pollen. You can report findings either via the app (for Android and iOS) or on the website. There you will also find further information about ragweed and can view the reports from previous years.

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