Forecast

Heat, as well as problems caused by grasses and fungal spores!

For the second half of the week, the Met Office is forecasting mainly sunny and dry weather with maximum daytime temperatures of around 30 °C. Rain showers are expected in southern Styria only on Saturday afternoon. There, the rain will bring short-term relief for those with pollen allergies. However, as long as the sun is shining, moderate to high pollen levels are to be expected.

Grasses continue to release pollen in the lowlands, though concentrations generally remain at moderate levels. However, along streams and rivers, as well as in forests, they may release pollen at higher rates in some areas, leading to high levels of pollen. The peak of grass pollen season is now in the mountainous regions of Styria. Under the right wind conditions, grass pollen can be carried from there into the valleys and lowlands, increasing local pollen levels. Sorrel and plantain are also still in flower and are contributing to pollen levels.

Maize has begun to flower in the areas where it is grown. Maize pollen grains are among the largest in the plant kingdom. Due to their size and comparatively high weight, they are only carried over short distances. Elevated pollen concentrations are therefore to be expected primarily in the immediate vicinity of flowering maize fields.

The number of flowering mugwort plants is steadily increasing. However, it will still take a few days before widespread flowering begins. Plants that are already flowering may cause initial localised exposure.

Allergy sufferers who are sensitised to fungal spores should expect moderate to high levels of exposure in the coming days. Large quantities of fungal spores are stirred up, particularly during the threshing of cereals. Spore concentrations also rise following rainfall. Relief can be found at higher altitudes, as fungal spore levels decrease significantly with increasing altitude.

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