Forecast

Mugwort and fungal spores will be a nuisance during the coming hot days!

The heatwave is set to continue until the second half of the week. In the mountainous west of Styria, the likelihood of thunderstorms remains high throughout the week. In the valleys, high levels of fungal spores are expected. In eastern and southern Styria, however, it will remain sunny and dry, with maximum daytime temperatures exceeding 35 °C. Here, people with pollen allergies should brace themselves for high levels of mugwort pollen. In the second half of the week, temperatures are set to fall and rain will bring some relief to those with pollen allergies. However, the rain will increase the spread of fungal spores, as fungi release more spores following rainfall. ###appende#

In eastern and southern Styria, mugwort flowering has now begun across a wide area. Peak flowering is expected in the first half of August. Dense stands can be found on railway embankments, rubbish tips, roadsides and along streams and rivers. 

In the valleys and lowlands of Styria, the peak of grass pollen season has passed. Pollen levels here are generally expected to be low. However, in forests or along streams, isolated patches of flowering grasses may still be found, causing localised pollen levels. As long as the sun is shining, intense grass pollen dispersal may continue in the mountainous regions of Styria. If the wind direction is favourable, grass pollen can be carried from there into the lowlands, increasing local pollen levels. This is particularly likely during the afternoon and evening hours. 

The maize flowering season is slowly drawing to a close. Maize pollen is among the largest in the plant kingdom and therefore only travels short distances. People who are sensitive to grass pollen should avoid the vicinity of maize fields, as high levels of pollen can occur there.

As for meadows, stinging nettles, sorrel and plantain continue to flower and contribute to pollen levels.

Ragweed is also growing and sprouting in Styria, though it will be a few more days before it flowers. If you spot ragweed populations whilst out and about, please feel free 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 checked 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. 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, hops, hemp, amaranthaceae and juniper is currently also present in the pollen spectrum. However, these pose only a low allergenic risk.