Forecast

Hot and not a cloud in the sky, fungal spores and grasses are the main allergens!

In the coming days, we can expect temperatures of over 30 °C from Semmering to Murau and Leibnitz. With these ideal conditions for the fungal spore and pollen count, allergy sufferers must be prepared for severe stress.

Although the first grass pollen peak is behind us, allergy sufferers still have to be prepared for intense stress. This is due to a large number of flowering grasses, including couch grass, grass grass, crested wheatgrass, riding grass, bluegrass and ryegrass. Wheat and rye, on the other hand, are already past their flowering period. However, sensitised people should continue to avoid cereal fields, especially during the harvest, which is very dusty.

In meadows, flowering dock and flowering plantain can intensify exposure. Stinging nettles are also in bloom and can lead to contamination.

This year the sweet chestnut is flowering and dusting particularly heavily. Although it is categorised as a low allergen, cross-reactions can often occur due to structural similarities between the main allergen and birch.

Lime trees and privet have already reached the peak of their season in Styria. Although lime pollen is of little relevance from an allergological point of view, the scent of its flowers can cause irritation in sensitive people. Privet is important for people who are sensitised to olive trees, as they should avoid direct contact with this plant.

In its mountainous area of distribution, the flowering of the green alder is coming to an end. However, people who are sensitised to birch plants must continue to expect exposure when hiking in the mountains. With the right wind currents, green alderpollen can be transported to the lowlands and valleys, where it can cause additional discomfort.

Moderate to high concentrations of fungal spores can be reached this week. Particularly high levels are reached in the vicinity of grain fields that are being threshed. These areas should be avoided by sensitised persons.

In eastern and southern Styria, ragweed is currently sprouting and thriving in fields and along roadsides. This non-native, allergy-causing plant will not bloom until August. If you discover populations of this neophyte during outdoor activities, you can report them via the citizen science project "Ragweed Finder". The information collected will be checked by experts and forwarded to the relevant authorities of the state government. If you report findings now, it is sometimes possible to take appropriate action before the plants flower and thus prevent the release of pollen. You can report findings either via the app (for Android and iOS) or on the website. There you will also find further information about ragweed and can view the reports from previous years.

Other types of pollen in the ambient air: umbellifers, goosefoot and buttercup plants as well as clove plants, sour grasses and cypress plants. These are of minor allergological importance.