Forecast

Fungal spores and pollen will be a problem over the coming hot days!

As the main flowering season for grasses is already over and mugwort is just beginning to flower, moderate pollen levels are expected over the coming days. It will be mostly hot, dry and sunny. These are ideal conditions for pollen and fungal spores to be carried on the wind. On Saturday, there is a high probability of thunderstorms in the mountainous regions of Styria. This is relevant for people with pollen allergies, as pollen can burst open before thunderstorms with increased lightning activity. This can release large quantities of the allergen into the air and lead to very sudden spikes in pollen levels, known as ‘thunderstorm asthma’. The warm, humid weather following the thunderstorms will boost the dispersal of fungal spores.###appende#

In the lowlands of eastern and southern Styria, the main grass pollen season has already passed, and pollen levels are generally only low to moderate. In Graz, only low concentrations of grass pollen have been measured in recent days. However, flowering grasses can still be found along streams and rivers as well as in forests, meaning that locally intense pollen dispersal is possible. In the mountainous regions of Styria, particularly at altitudes above 1,500 metres above sea level, grasses are still flowering and allergy-relevant levels of pollen may be present in the air. If the wind direction is favourable, grass pollen can be carried from there into the valleys and lowlands, which increases local pollen levels.

For people who are sensitised to grass pollen, currently flowering maize fields are of particular relevance. Maize pollen is among the largest in the plant kingdom and therefore only travels short distances. As a result, intense pollen dispersal occurs only in the immediate vicinity of maize fields. Nettles, sorrel and plantain are also still in flower and contribute to pollen levels.

The number of flowering mugwort plants is constantly increasing. Dense stands can be found on railway embankments, rubbish tips, roadsides and along streams and rivers. Although the peak of its flowering season usually falls in the first half of August, people with allergies should nevertheless avoid the locations mentioned. For this group of allergy sufferers, cross-reactions to celery, carrots and camomile may occur.

Ragweed is also growing and sprouting; it will take until well into August before it flowers. If you spot ragweed populations whilst out and about, you are welcome to report them via the ‘Ragweed Finder’ citizen science platform. Reports can be submitted either via the website ragweedfinder.at or via the app (for Android and iOS). The reports are reviewed by experts from the ‘Ragweed Finder’ team, plotted on the ragweed map and forwarded at regular intervals to the relevant authorities in the federal states. These authorities can then use the sightings to take further action.

People with allergies who are sensitive to fungal spores should expect moderate to high levels of exposure over the next few days. Very high concentrations of fungal spores can be released, particularly in the vicinity of fields where harvesting is taking place. Staying at higher altitudes minimises exposure, as spore concentrations decrease with increasing altitude.

In addition to the pollen types already mentioned, pollen from bee balm, umbellifers, hops, hemp, amaranths, papilionaceous plants and juniper is currently also present in the pollen spectrum. However, these pose only a low allergenic risk.