Forecast

Changeable weather, fluctuating pollen levels!

Over the coming days, it will remain largely sunny and dry in the east and south of Styria. Here, pollen from ragweed, mugwort, stinging nettle, plantain, goosefoot and goosefoot will become more prevalent again and cause a nuisance. Grass pollen levels have stabilised at a low level typical for this time of year. In western Styria, rain and sunshine will alternate during the first half of the week. The rain will bring some relief to those with pollen allergies. People who are sensitive to fungal spores should expect high levels of fungal spore dispersal following rainfall.

Ragweed is currently in bloom. Ragweed pollen is highly allergenic; as few as six to ten pollen grains per cubic metre of air can trigger symptoms. Dense stands can be found on railway embankments, rubble sites, roadsides and in soya, pumpkin and sunflower fields. When winds blow from the east, there may be increased long-distance transport of ragweed pollen, which intensifies local exposure levels. 

If you spot ragweed populations whilst out and about, you can report the plant via the Ragweed Finder app or at ragweedfinder.at, thereby informing the relevant authorities in the federal states about the presence of this invasive plant.

Common mugwort has already passed its peak flowering period in the lowlands of eastern and southern Styria. However, high pollen levels may still occur in dense stands in these areas. In the valley regions of western Styria, common mugwort is currently in full bloom. The rain is keeping exposure levels low.

Fungal spores are released in greater quantities, particularly after rainfall. In the coming days, people who are sensitive to fungal spores should therefore expect moderate to high levels of exposure. At higher altitudes, exposure levels are lower.

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