Forecast

There’s a high chance of thunderstorms, the heatwave is continuing and grass pollen is in the air!

During the first half of the week, it will remain hot across much of Styria, with maximum daytime temperatures exceeding 30 °C. In southern and eastern Styria, temperatures are even expected to exceed 35 °C. In the afternoons, the likelihood of thunderstorms will increase from the west. On Wednesday, thunderstorms may also reach southern and eastern Styria. During thunderstorms with increased lightning activity, pollen grains can burst open. This can release large quantities of the allergen into the air, leading to very sudden spikes in pollen levels – known as ‘thunderstorm asthma’. Where it remains sunny, pollen levels may continue to reach moderate to high levels. With these high temperatures, ground-level ozone levels will rise, particularly in urban areas. Ozone can exacerbate the effects of pollen.

From Schladming to Leibnitz, grasses are still in bloom. However, the main flowering activity is now concentrated in the higher elevations of the mountainous regions. Unfortunately, a walk in the woods offers no relief to people who are sensitive to grasses, as the forest grasses are now in bloom. In eastern and southern Styria, grass pollen concentrations are falling slightly, but they continue to fluctuate between moderate and high levels. Currently, flowering finger millet, couch grass, brome grass, as well as meadow grass, reed grass, rye grass, dogtail grass, cock's foot grass and foxtail grass demonstrate the diversity of native grass species. If the wind is blowing in the right direction, symptom-triggering amounts of grass pollen from the mountainous regions can be carried down into the lowlands and valleys, particularly in the afternoons, thereby intensifying local pollen levels. Sorrel and plantain species are also continuing to flower and may contribute to the pollen load.

Hardly any green alder pollen has been detected in our pollen traps over the last few days. Only a few scattered green alders remain in flower within their range above 1,000 metres above sea level. People with allergies who are sensitised to birch trees should continue to avoid the immediate vicinity of these alder trees whilst on a mountain hike.

Sweet chestnut flowering has already passed its peak in Styria. However, in the immediate vicinity of these trees, it may still trigger cross-reactions in people who are sensitised to beech or birch plants.

Linden and privet are still in full bloom at higher altitudes, whilst in valleys and low-lying areas they are already finishing flowering. As they rely on pollination by insects, their pollen is rarely found in the ambient air. The intense floral scent of the lime tree can trigger breathing difficulties in sensitive individuals. Privet is of particular significance for people with pollen allergies who react to olive family plants.

In areas with favourable climatic conditions, flowering mugwort and foxtail plants have already been spotted. These may cause initial exposure locally.

The warm, humid weather over the coming days will lead to a rise in fungal spore concentrations. Fungi release spores more readily, particularly after rainfall, which can cause a sharp short-term increase in spore levels.

In addition to the pollen types already mentioned, pollen from nettles, umbellifers, spruce, pine, rhododendrons and cypresses is currently also present in the pollen spectrum. However, these pose only a very low allergenic risk.