Forecast

Changeable weather, fluctuating pollen levels!

In Styria, the weather will remain changeable during the first half of the week. Thunderstorms and sunny spells will alternate. 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’. The warm, humid weather also encourages the production of fungal spores. As soon as the sun comes out again, an increase in allergy levels is expected, particularly due to mugwort and ragweed pollen. Plantain, goosefoot and stinging nettle pollen are also currently being detected at our monitoring stations.

Ragweed pollen is currently the main allergen in the ambient air. Ragweed releases its pollen mainly in the morning. Regionally, there may be increased long-distance transport of ragweed pollen when wind directions from the east or south-east prevail.

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.

Whilst common mugwort is already finishing flowering, the first flowering specimens of the late-flowering annual mugwort have already been spotted. Both of these composite flowers are highly allergenic, which is why people with sensitivities should avoid dense stands of them.

Grass pollen continues to be detected, though only in small quantities. Along the banks of standing and flowing water, reeds are beginning to flower sporadically. People with allergies who are sensitised to grasses should bear this in mind when out walking.

Due to the damp weather, an increase in fungal spore counts is also expected again in the coming days.

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