Forecast

Thunderstorms, mugwort in bloom and hot weather!

On Thursday, there will be thunderstorms in the west of Styria. On Friday, they will spread to the whole of Styria. Thunderstorms with increased lightning activity can cause pollen to burst open, releasing more allergens. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the airways and lead to sudden spikes in allergy symptoms, known as ‘thunderstorm asthma’. On Saturday and Sunday, the weather will improve again and pollen counts will start to rise once more. Mugwort flowering is slowly approaching its peak, so moderate to high pollen levels may occur. However, the rain will boost the dispersal of fungal spores, as fungi release more spores following rainfall. ###appende#

In eastern and southern Styria, mugwort flowering is slowly progressing towards its peak. Dense stands can be found on railway embankments, rubble sites, roadsides and along streams and rivers, and should be avoided by those with sensitivities.

In the valleys and lowlands of Styria, the peak of grass pollen season has passed. Low pollen levels are generally expected here. However, isolated patches of flowering grasses may still be found in forests or along streams, causing localised high pollen levels. As long as the sun is shining, intense grass pollen dispersal may continue in the mountainous regions of Styria. If the wind direction is favourable, grass pollen can be carried from there into the lowlands, where it increases local pollen levels. This is particularly likely during the afternoon and evening hours. 

The maize flowering season is slowly drawing to a close. Maize pollen is among the largest in the plant kingdom and therefore only travels short distances. People who are sensitive to grass pollen should avoid the vicinity of maize fields, as high levels of pollen can occur there.

As for meadows, stinging nettles, sorrel and plantain continue to flower and contribute to pollen levels.

Ragweed is also growing and sprouting in Styria. In isolated cases, some plants may already be ready to flower and cause initial localised pollen levels. If you spot ragweed populations whilst out and about, please feel free to report them via the citizen science platform ‘Ragweed Finder’. 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.

People with allergies who are sensitised to fungal spores should expect moderate to high levels of exposure over the next few days. Staying at higher altitudes minimises exposure, as spore concentrations decrease with increasing altitude.

In addition to the pollen types already mentioned, pollen from bee balm, hops, hemp, amaranthaceae and juniper is currently also present in the pollen spectrum. However, these pose only a low allergenic risk.