Forecast

The heatwave is over and the grass-growing season is in full swing!

The heatwave is over. Over the coming days, the weather in western Styria will remain changeable with isolated showers. The rain washes pollen out of the air, providing temporary relief. As soon as the sun comes out again, moderate pollen levels may occur in the lowlands and high levels at higher altitudes. In eastern and southern Styria, however, the weather will remain dry and sunny in the second half of the week. Pollen concentrations here have stabilised at a moderate level. Locally, however – for example along streams and in deciduous forests – high levels are possible.

From Wechsel via Graz to Murau, grasses remain the main allergen in the ambient air. Grass flowering is now concentrated in mountain meadows, alpine pastures and forests. When the sun is shining, high concentrations of grass pollen can be reached in these areas. In the lowlands, levels are generally moderate. Sorrel and plantain species are also still flowering and may increase pollen levels.

In Styria, the sweet chestnut flowering season is drawing to a close. However, in the immediate vicinity, it may still trigger cross-reactions in people who are sensitised to beech or birch trees.

At higher altitudes, lime trees and privet are now also finishing flowering; in valleys and low-lying areas, flowering has already ended. As they rely on pollination by insects, their pollen is rarely found in the ambient air. The intense scent of linden blossom can trigger respiratory problems in sensitive individuals. For people with pollen allergies who react to olive trees, privet is of particular significance.

The number of flowering mugwort plants is steadily increasing, though it will still be a few days before they are in full bloom across the region. Specimens that are already flowering may cause initial localised exposure.

The warm, damp weather over the coming days will lead to a rise in fungal spore concentrations. Fungi release spores more readily, particularly after rainfall, which can cause levels to rise sharply in the short term. People who are sensitive to fungal spores should avoid the vicinity of fields that have just been harvested. Threshing cereals stirs up large quantities of fine dust and fungal spores. Fungal spore levels decrease noticeably with increasing altitude.

In addition to the pollen types already mentioned, pollen from umbellifers, pines, nettles, foxtail plants and cypresses is currently also present in the pollen spectrum. However, these pose only a very low allergenic risk.