Forecast

Unstable weather and the grasses are in bloom!

The weather will remain changeable in the second half of the week. People with pollen allergies should prepare for fluctuating pollen levels. Rain will reduce pollen levels, whilst during sunny spells, pollen counts may once again reach moderate to high levels.

In Styria, early-flowering grasses led to several above-average pollen peaks in May. The rain of recent weeks brought this first wave of mass pollen release to an end, and the main grass flowering season is now just around the corner. The highest pollen levels from grasses occur in the early morning hours and persist until late in the evening. Grass flowering has now also begun in the mountainous regions of Styria. Mowing and grazing can slightly reduce pollen levels locally. In larger deciduous forest areas, pollen levels from grasses are even lower.

At present, flowering nettles and various species of sorrel and plantain are also contributing to pollen levels.

Green alder flowering is progressing in its range above 1,000 metres. This is also where the main concentration of pollen will be. Rainfall will reduce pollen concentrations and largely prevent long-distance transport to the lowlands. For allergy sufferers who are sensitised to birch trees, green alder pollen is particularly relevant, as cross-reactions may occur.

Linden tree flowering is progressing in Styria. As their flowers are specialised for pollination by insects, their pollen rarely enters the air in significant quantities. However, their intense floral scent can irritate the airways of sensitive individuals. 

The sweet chestnut is also in bloom and may trigger cross-reactions in people in the vicinity who are sensitised to beech or birch trees.

Current temperatures and rainfall are promoting the dispersal of fungal spores, and allergy-relevant levels are regularly being recorded at our monitoring stations. Whilst rain reduces pollen concentrations in the air, offering relief for allergy sufferers, fungi release large quantities of spores, particularly after rainfall.