Forecast

Unstable weather is causing pollen levels to fluctuate!

Monday will start off fine and dry across much of Styria. However, once the grass inflorescences have dried out, those with pollen allergies should expect high pollen counts. In the afternoon, thunderstorms will develop across much of Styria. Thunderstorms with increased lightning activity can cause pollen to burst open. This can release large quantities of allergens into the air, leading to very sudden spikes in pollen levels that do not necessarily correlate with pollen dispersal. From Tuesday, it will rain more frequently and these unsettled weather conditions will persist into the second half of the week. The rainfall will reduce pollen levels and provide some relief.

Numerous grasses are currently in bloom in both the lowlands and the mountainous regions of Styria. Among others, flowering specimens of couch grass, brome grass, false barley, false oat grass, as well as honey grass, panicle grass, cock's foot grass and foxtail grass have been reported. Grass pollen is currently the main allergen in the ambient air of Styria. During sunny and dry spells, levels can therefore rise rapidly again.

Rye flowering has passed its peak. As the pollen grains of this cultivated grass are comparatively large and do not travel far, increased levels are to be expected, particularly in sunny weather near rye fields. Pollen is released mainly in the morning.

In meadows, sorrel and plantain may cause additional pollen levels.

In the Styrian mountain regions, the green alder continues to flower. Its range lies above 1,000 metres, where the main source of pollen is currently found. However, the persistent rainfall is limiting pollen concentrations and largely preventing long-distance transport to the lowlands.

In Styria, lime trees have now reached full bloom. As their flowers are adapted for pollination by insects, their pollen rarely enters the air in significant quantities. However, their intense floral scent can irritate the airways of sensitive individuals. The sweet chestnut has also begun to release pollen. Due to cross-reactions with sweet chestnut pollen, allergy sufferers who are sensitised to hazel, alder or birch pollen should expect to experience symptoms.

Current temperatures and rainfall are promoting the dispersal of fungal spores, and allergy-relevant levels are being regularly recorded at our monitoring stations. Whilst rain reduces pollen concentrations in the air, offering some relief for allergy sufferers, fungi release large quantities of spores, particularly following rainfall.