Forecast

After the rain comes the sun – but be wary of pollen!

On Thursdays and Fridays, rain fronts will sweep across Styria. The rainfall will reduce pollen counts and bring some relief to allergy sufferers. The rest of the weekend is then expected to remain cloudy but largely dry. The peak of ragweed flowering is already behind us, so during dry spells, pollen levels are usually only moderate. Most herbaceous allergenic plants, such as mugwort, grasses, stinging nettles and plantain, have already finished flowering and are now releasing only small amounts of pollen. However, the rain encourages the production of fungal spores, so allergy sufferers who are sensitive to these should prepare for moderate to high pollen levels.

As already mentioned, the ragweed flowering season is also drawing to a close. As even a few pollen grains per cubic metre are sufficient to trigger symptoms, allergy-relevant amounts of pollen may still be present in the ambient air. In southern and eastern Styria, local pollen levels may be exacerbated by long-distance transport of ragweed pollen when wind currents from the south or south-east prevail. 

Annual mugwort and Katschatka mugwort have also passed their peak flowering period, but may still cause localised problems. 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 these composite flowers should be avoided by sensitised individuals.

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