Forecast

Another heatwave and rising mugwort pollen levels!

It’s set to be sunny, hot and dry, creating ideal conditions for pollen dispersal across Austria. Fortunately, the grass pollen season is already well advanced and mugwort flowering has not yet reached its peak, so only moderate pollen levels are expected over the coming days. In the western mountainous regions and in the north of Austria, heat-induced thunderstorms may occur over the weekend, which could lead to increased levels of fungal spores in some areas.

Moderate levels of grass pollen are still expected along river courses and in woodlands, whereas levels in meadows are already falling. Maize flowering has also already reached or passed its peak in most regions. However, high levels of pollen are still to be expected in the vicinity of these fields.

Along the edges of paths and roads, additional levels of exposure to sorrel, goosefoot plants and plantain are to be expected.

In the east of the country, symptoms caused by mugwort pollen are becoming increasingly common. The pollen from this composite flower can cause severe symptoms even at very low concentrations, 

Ragweed is also growing and sprouting; it will take until August for it to flower. If you spot ragweed populations whilst out and about, please feel free to report them via the ‘Ragweed Finder’ citizen science platform. Reports can be submitted either via the website ragweedfinder.at or via the app (for Android and iOS). The reports are reviewed by experts from the ‘Ragweed Finder’ team, plotted on the ragweed map and forwarded at regular intervals to the relevant authorities in the federal states. These authorities can then use the sightings to take further action.

The changeable weather in the west of the country is causing high concentrations of fungal spores to be released, particularly those of the genera Alternaria and Cladosporium.

In addition to the pollen types already mentioned, pollen from stinging nettles, hemp, carnations and cypresses is currently also present in the pollen spectrum. However, these pose only a very low allergenic risk.