Forecast

Fungal spore levels at autumn levels; ragweed flowering is coming to an end!

On Thursday afternoon, there will be widespread rain across Styria. The rain will wash the already low pollen levels out of the air. Following the rainfall, fungi are releasing more spores, and a short-term rise in pollen levels is expected. As the weather turns sunny, fungal spore levels will drop slightly again. From Friday onwards, it will remain dry and become sunnier towards the weekend, with maximum daytime temperatures around 20 °C. Local ragweed populations are already finishing flowering and are barely releasing any pollen. However, in areas where ragweed grows densely, there may still be high levels of pollen in the air and the associated symptoms. Most herbaceous allergenic plants, such as mugwort, grasses, stinging nettles and plantain, have already finished flowering, and only a few individual plants are still releasing pollen.

As already mentioned, the ragweed pollen season is drawing to a close. However, as just 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. The local ragweed pollen load in southern and eastern Styria may intensify over the weekend due to long-distance transport. Winds from the south and east are expected, which may carry ragweed pollen from our neighbouring countries into Styria.

Annual mugwort and Katshatka mugwort have also passed their peak flowering period, but may continue to cause problems locally. Canadian goldenrod is also in flower. For allergy sufferers who are sensitised to mugwort or ragweed, Canadian goldenrod can trigger cross-reactions. Dense stands of this asteraceous plant should be avoided by sensitised individuals.

Pollen from the cannabis family, impatiens and ivy are also present in the pollen spectrum. However, they pose only a low allergenic risk.