Forecast

Rain, sunshine, thunderstorms, and fluctuating pollen and fungal spore levels!

On Thursday, it will rain across large parts of Styria. The rainfall will provide short-term relief for people with pollen allergies. On Friday and Saturday, the sun will come out again and pollen levels may start to rise slightly. The weather forecast predicts a high probability of thunderstorms on Sunday. Whilst the rain will wash the pollen out of the air and reduce pollen levels, higher concentrations of allergens may be present in the air before thunderstorms due to pollen grains bursting. These particles are smaller than pollen and can penetrate deeper into the airways, leading to severe symptoms known as ‘thunderstorm asthma’. Fungi also release more spores following rainfall.

In the valley areas and lowlands of Eastern and Southern Styria, the main flowering season for grasses has already passed, and pollen levels are generally low to moderate. Locally, however – for example along streams and rivers or in woodlands – grasses may continue to release significant amounts of pollen, which could lead to high pollen counts in these areas. At altitudes above 1,500 metres above sea level, grasses are still in bloom and may contribute to allergy-relevant pollen counts. During sunny spells over the coming days, pollen from these higher altitudes may be carried down into the lowlands and valleys. This may increase local pollen levels during the afternoon and evening hours. 

In Styria, maize is in flower. People who are sensitive to grass pollen should be aware of flowering maize fields. Maize pollen is among the largest in the plant kingdom and therefore only travels short distances. As a result, intense pollen dispersal occurs only in the immediate vicinity of maize fields.

Sorrel and plantain are also still in flower and are contributing further to the pollen count.

The flowering of common mugwort is gathering pace, though it will be a few more days before it reaches its peak. Dense stands, such as those found on railway embankments, rubbish tips, roadsides and along streams and rivers, should be avoided by people with sensitisation. In this group of allergy sufferers, cross-reactions to celery, carrots and camomile may occur.

Ragweed is also growing and sprouting; it will be some time yet – well into August – before it flowers. If you spot ragweed populations whilst out and about, you are welcome to report them via the ‘Ragweed Finder’ citizen science platform. Reports can be submitted either via the website ragweedfinder.at or via the app (for Android and iOS). The reports are checked by experts from the “Ragweed Finder” team, plotted on the ragweed map and forwarded at regular intervals to the relevant authorities in the federal states. These authorities can then use the sightings to take further action.

People with allergies who are sensitised to fungal spores should expect moderate to high levels of exposure over the next few days. Staying at higher altitudes minimises exposure, as spore concentrations decrease with increasing altitude.

In addition to the pollen types already mentioned, pollen from bee balm, nettle family plants, umbellifers, amaranth family plants and juniper is currently also present in the pollen spectrum. However, these pose only a low allergenic risk.