Forecast

Thunderstorms, heat and dusty grass!

On Mondays and Tuesdays, afternoon thunderstorms may occur across large parts of Styria. Thunderstorms with increased lightning activity can cause pollen to burst open. This can release large quantities of the allergen into the air, leading to very sudden spikes in pollen levels – known as ‘thunderstorm asthma’. From Wednesday onwards, more stable midsummer weather will set in and temperatures will rise above 30 °C. Over the coming days, grass pollen levels may reach moderate to high levels. appende###

From the lowlands up to the alpine pastures and mountain meadows of Styria, grasses are the main source of allergens. In the afternoon, grass pollen from these higher altitudes can be carried by long-range transport into the valleys and lowlands. A wide variety of grasses, including couch grass, brome grass, as well as honey grass, meadow grass, reed grass, rye grass, dogtail grass, cock's foot grass and foxtail grass, are currently in flower. Sorrel and plantain pollen can intensify pollen levels in meadow areas.

The number of green alders that have finished flowering is steadily increasing in the mountainous regions of Styria. People with allergies who are sensitised to birch trees should continue to avoid the immediate vicinity of these alders whilst on a mountain hike.

The sweet chestnut is also currently in flower in Styria and may trigger cross-reactions in people who are sensitised to beech or birch plants.

Although lime trees and privets are still in bloom, they are already beginning to fade. As they rely on pollination by insects, their pollen is rarely found in the ambient air. The intense floral scent of the lime tree can trigger breathing difficulties in sensitive individuals. For people with pollen allergies who react to olive trees, privet is of particular significance.

Current temperatures and rainfall are conducive to the dispersal of fungal spores, which is why allergy-relevant levels are regularly recorded at our monitoring stations. Whilst rain reduces the concentration of pollen in the air, thereby providing relief for allergy sufferers, fungi release large quantities of spores, particularly after rainfall.