Forecast

Fungal spores and mugwort are a nuisance!

The weather forecast for Burgenland over the coming days is: hot and mainly dry. This means conditions are favourable for pollen dispersal and the spread of fungal spores. Whilst grass pollen levels remain low to moderate, mugwort pollen levels are continuing to rise slowly.

Grass pollen levels are now mostly only reaching low levels. They are most likely to be found in shady woods or along riverbanks where grasses are in flower. Along paths and roadsides, it is now mainly sorrel, goosefoot plants and plantain that are causing pollen levels to rise.

However, as maize – which also belongs to the sweet grass family – is currently still flowering, people with grass pollen allergies may experience more intense symptoms near fields where this crop is grown. Maize pollen is, however, very large and therefore, like the pollen of other cereal crops, cannot be carried very far by the wind.

The mugwort populations in Burgenland are already well established and may cause low to moderate levels of pollen exposure. However, the peak in pollen levels is not expected until mid-August.

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 checked 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 reports to take further action.

We are currently at the peak of fungal spore levels. High concentrations of spores from Alternaria and Cladosporium are therefore to be expected.