Forecast

High grass pollen burden expected for this weekend!

The weather forecast for Styria promises sunny and dry weather for the coming days. Only on Thursday might there still be some rain in the mountainous west of Styria. Temperatures of over 25 °C are forecast for the long Whitsun weekend. With these ideal conditions for pollen dispersal, allergy sufferers should prepare for moderate to high levels of pollen.

In Styria, early-flowering grasses are the main source of allergens this long weekend. These include brome grass, false oat-grass, false barley, annual meadow grass, vernal grass, cock's foot grass, ryegrass and foxtail grass. Even in the higher elevations of Styria, the number of flowering grasses is steadily increasing. However, pollen concentrations here are currently still slightly lower than in the lowlands. In meadows, the sorrel and plantain species, which are now also flowering, may increase exposure levels. Nettles have also begun to flower. 

Poplar fluff is currently very prevalent. This consists of the seeds and seed hairs (i.e. the fruits) of the poplar. Poplar fluff cannot therefore trigger allergic reactions. Nevertheless, we very frequently receive reports of symptoms allegedly caused by poplar fluff. This is due to the fact that poplar seeds are visible to the naked eye. However, the pollen from grasses is responsible for these symptoms and is currently the main allergen.

In Styria, the flowering of oak and beech is coming to an end, with low pollen concentrations.

In the mountains, the green alder is also in bloom. In its range, which lies above 1,000 metres above sea level, this is where the main pollen pressure will be in the coming days. With the right wind direction, its pollen can be carried in allergy-relevant quantities into valley areas and the lowlands. This pollen is relevant for allergy sufferers who are sensitised to birch trees.

Over the long weekend, the number of flowering lime trees will increase. As their flowers are adapted to insect pollination, they are generally rarely found in the air. However, their floral scent can irritate the airways of sensitive individuals.

The rainfall and the warm daytime temperatures that are now following mean that fungal spores are becoming more prevalent. Over this long weekend, the first allergy-relevant levels of fungal spores may be present in the air, which could affect those with sensitivities.

In addition to the pollen types mentioned, umbellifers, elder, horse chestnut, poaceae, legumes, walnut, rushes and cypresses are currently also present in the pollen spectrum. However, they pose only a very low allergenic risk.