Forecast

High temperatures, thunderstorms and grass pollen!

The week begins sunny in Styria, with maximum daytime temperatures potentially reaching over 30 °C. On these days, people with pollen allergies should expect high pollen counts and moderate to high levels of pollen in the air. On Wednesday, there may be rain in the mountainous west of Styria. This rain may provide some local relief. It will remain hot in eastern and southern Styria. Here, heat-induced thunderstorms may occur in the afternoon.

In Styria, the early-flowering grasses are now in full bloom. These include brome grass, false oat-grass, false barley, annual meadow grass, vernal grass, cock's foot grass, ryegrass and foxtail grass. They will cause significant pollen levels during sunny spells. At higher altitudes, the number of flowering grasses is steadily increasing and will continue to rise over the course of the week. Elevated pollen concentrations occur in the immediate vicinity of meadows and roadside verges. Plantain and sorrel are also in bloom, which may further exacerbate the pollen count. Stinging nettles have also begun to flower.

Please note: Before thunderstorms with increased lightning activity, pollen may burst open. This can release large quantities of allergens into the air, leading to very sudden spikes in pollen levels that do not necessarily correlate with pollen dispersal.

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 because poplar seeds are visible to the naked eye. However, the pollen responsible for these symptoms is grass pollen, which is currently the main allergen.

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

At altitudes above 1,000 metres above sea level, green alders are in bloom. This is also where the main concentration of pollen is found. As it remains sunny this week, pollen may be carried into the lowlands and valleys if the wind direction is favourable. This may cause problems for people who are sensitive to birch trees. 

In the lowlands of Styria, lime trees are now in bloom. 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.

Fungal spores have become more prevalent, meaning that the first allergy-relevant quantities are already in the air, which will affect those with sensitivities.

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