Forecast

High levels of grass pollen!

The weather forecast for the coming long weekend is for early summer warmth and consistently sunny conditions. Consequently, following a rather subdued start to the week, conditions are ideal for pollen dispersal and thus also for high levels of pollen. The main cause of these high levels remains grass flowering, which is now in full swing throughout Burgenland.

In the lowlands and valley areas, many grasses (brome grass, false oat-grass, false barley, annual meadow grass, vernal grass, cock's foot grass, ryegrass and foxtail grass) have already begun to flower. In thermally favourable locations, they are thus slowly ushering in the main peak phase of the grass pollen season. 

In meadow areas, additional exposure to sorrel and plantain is also possible.

The white flakes currently appearing more frequently in the air and on the ground are poplar fluff, i.e. the seeds and seed hairs of the poplar. This poses no risk to allergy sufferers. As the dispersal of poplar fluff usually coincides very closely with the start of grass flowering, it is often said to have allergenic potential.

Regionally, people who are sensitised to olive tree pollen may have to contend with low concentrations of olive tree pollen in the air.

In the coming days, many lime trees will begin to flower or reach full bloom. As the flowers of this plant are adapted to insect pollination, they are generally rarely found in the air. However, the scent of the flowers can irritate the airways of sensitive individuals.

Our air samples also contain increasing amounts of fungal spores, which can cause symptoms in people with allergies.

In addition to the pollen types mentioned, the pollen spectrum currently also includes nettles, elder, black locust, sour grasses, papilionaceous plants and cypresses. However, these pose only a very low allergenic risk.