Forecast

Grass pollen and fungal spores continue to cause high levels of pollen, but the weather is causing these levels to fluctuate!

The weather is set to be rather changeable over the weekend, which tends to reduce pollen levels. However, occasional rain encourages the production of fungal spores – so an increased concentration of fungal spores in the air is to be expected after rainfall. Particular caution is advised during thunderstorms: the storm activity causes pollen grains to burst, creating a risk of so-called thunderstorm asthma.

The main flowering period for grasses has now shifted from open green spaces to woodlands and areas near river courses. Although the peak of the grass pollen season has already passed, moderate to high pollen levels are still possible in these areas.

Regionally, in Burgenland, the maize fields have already begun to flower. Maize is a type of sweet grass and can therefore cause symptoms. However, maize pollen grains are very large and, like the pollen of other cereal crops, cannot be carried very far by the wind. They therefore cause significant concentrations in the air, particularly in the immediate vicinity of the fields.

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

In locations with particularly favourable climatic conditions, the first flowering specimens of mugwort have already been spotted. This marks the start of the herb pollen season locally. It will probably take until the end of July for the plants to flower across the board. Locally, however, low levels of allergenic exposure may already be occurring.

As mentioned earlier, in addition to grasses, fungal spores are also causing moderate to high levels of exposure in the ambient air. Particularly after rainfall, people who are sensitised to fungal spores should expect high levels of exposure.

In addition to the pollen types already mentioned, pollen from bee balm, nettle plants, rhododendrons, acid grasses, papilionaceous plants, grapevines and cypresses is currently also present in the pollen spectrum. However, these pose only a very low allergenic risk.