Forecast

Ragweed and fungal spores are responsible for the current high pollen counts!

Following the rainfall from Sunday into Monday, the week is starting off cloudy. By Monday afternoon, the sun will have broken through again and pollen counts will pick up once more. Ragweed pollen remains the main allergen. In Styria, the flowering of this neophyte continues to progress. As just a few pollen grains per cubic metre of air are enough to trigger symptoms, high pollen counts remain possible in dry conditions. The rainfall has also ensured that fungal spore concentrations remain at a moderate to high level.

Ragweed releases its pollen mainly in the morning. Regionally, and particularly in southern and eastern Styria, there may be increased long-distance transport of ragweed pollen when wind currents from the east or south-east prevail. 

Late-flowering mugwort species, such as annual mugwort and Katchatka mugwort, are still in bloom and may cause localised symptoms. Canadian goldenrod is also in flower. For people with allergies who are sensitised to mugwort or ragweed, Canadian goldenrod can trigger cross-reactions. Dense stands of this composite flower should be avoided by sensitised individuals.

Most grasses in Styria have already finished flowering. Along still and flowing waters, the reed has already passed the peak of its flowering season. However, people with allergies who are sensitised to grasses should continue to be mindful of reed flowering whilst out walking. Pollen from plantain, goosefoot and stinging nettle is also currently being detected at our monitoring stations.

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