Forecast

Spring-like temperatures and strong pollen count!

During the forecast period, there will be a very high pollen allergy load due to hazel and alder dusting. Both early bloomers have reached full bloom and can release enormous amounts of pollen as a result of the lack of precipitation and the high daytime temperatures. In addition to the grey alder, whose main distribution is in the western parts of Carinthia, the black alder has also started to pollinate. The black al der prefers to colonise the banks of still waters and the riparian forests in the central and eastern areas of Carinthia. During the course of the day, the highest levels occur from the late morning hours and then continue until late in the evening. The pollen count is at its lowest in the early morning hours.

At the moment, hazel and alder stands are in full bloom in the most favourable areas of Carinthia's valleys and basins. In locations with unfavourable microclimates, such as in shady ditches and on the shady sides of the low mountain ranges, the flower catkins of hazel and alder are still closed. In these locations, full bloom will not occur until the first days of March.

Other pollen types with a low allergological significance come from trembling poplar, various willow species and elm.

Dr Helmut Zwander