Forecast

It’s still hot and the mugwort is really coming into its own!

The weather forecast for the coming week predicts plenty of sunshine and high temperatures once again. In Burgenland, it will remain dry and hot throughout. People with allergies should expect to be affected by mugwort and ragweed pollen, as well as fungal spores, over the coming days.

Mugwort is a herbaceous plant that is mainly found in areas heavily influenced by human activity. Unlike most composite flowers, it is predominantly wind-pollinated and can cause significant symptoms even in low concentrations. The first peak in pollen levels is expected in the course of this week or at the start of next week.

Grass pollen levels are also subsiding in Burgenland and are now causing only minor symptoms.

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

The situation is different with ragweed. In Burgenland, many of the plants are already well developed and are currently causing low to moderate levels of pollen exposure. The plant prefers similar habitats to mugwort and is widespread in eastern Austria. As both species belong to the same family (Asteraceae), people allergic to mugwort may also experience cross-reactions with ragweed pollen.
If you spot ragweed populations whilst out and about, you are welcome 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 reports to take further action.