Forecast

Grass pollen levels are very high in Carinthia!

The tall grasses widespread in Carinthia, such as false oat grass, cock's foot grass, downy oat grass, tufted grass, as well as the brome and fescue species, are now entering full bloom. This means that, over the course of the forecast period, there will be a very high level of allergen exposure due to grass pollen. From the early morning hours onwards, the irritation threshold may be exceeded many times over in areas near meadows. From late morning onwards, high levels of grass pollen may also occur within larger built-up areas. This high pollen allergy burden from grass pollen will consequently persist into the evening hours. The lowest levels of grass pollen occur in the very early morning hours.

People with a grass pollen allergy should limit their time outdoors as much as possible over the next few days.

Grass pollen counts are significantly lower within larger forest areas and at altitudes of around 1,500 metres and above.

For those with grass pollen allergies, there may be an additional burden in the vicinity of rye fields. In Central and Eastern Carinthia, the rye is in full bloom and can release high levels of pollen, particularly during the morning hours.

The flowering of sorrel and ribwort plantain can also trigger allergic reactions. Both types of pollen occur in high concentrations, particularly in the immediate vicinity of meadows.

In the subalpine regions of Carinthia, the flowering of the green alder has begun. For those allergic to birch pollen, this can result in allergic symptoms due to a cross-reaction. This shrub-like alder species is particularly widespread in the Nock region, the Tauern, the Carnic Alps, and on the Sau and Koralpe mountains.

The striking yellow pollen deposition this year is caused by extremely high pollen release from spruce and Scots pine. Although the flowering of spruce and Scots pine has ended in the valleys and basins of Carinthia, large quantities of spruce pollen are still being blown into the Klagenfurt Basin from the subalpine spruce forests. Spruce pollen has no allergenic significance. However, at high concentrations, mechanical irritation of the conjunctiva and the respiratory tract may occur.

Dr Helmut Zwander