Forecast

More and more mugwort is coming into flower!

The trend of the past few days is continuing, and a mix of sun, clouds and rain is expected in Burgenland right through to the weekend. During longer sunny spells, mugwort and grass pollen, as well as fungal spores, are likely to cause high pollen levels. Depending on the intensity of the rainfall, this may lead to varying degrees of relief.

Grass pollen levels are now mostly only reaching low to moderate levels. Flowering grasses are most likely to be found in shady woods or along riverbanks. Along the edges of paths and roads, it is now mainly sorrel, goosefoot plants and plantain that are causing pollen levels to rise.

However, as maize – which also belongs to the grass family – is currently in full bloom, 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.

The alternation between sunshine and rainfall stimulates the production and release of fungal spores, resulting in high concentrations of these spores in the ambient air.

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