Forecast

Unstable weather causes pollen levels to fluctuate!

In the second half of the week, sunshine and rain will alternate. The rain offers pollen allergy sufferers a brief respite, as rainfall washes pollen out of the air and prevents its release. However, the sun quickly dries out the grass inflorescences, so grass pollen levels can rise rapidly once again. As a result, pollen levels may fluctuate between low and high values over the coming days.

Grass pollen is currently the most significant allergen in the ambient air in Styria. Species currently in bloom include bent grass, false barley, false oat grass, as well as honey grass, ryegrass, meadow grass, cock's foot grass and foxtail grass. Grass flowering has also already begun in the mountainous regions. In larger deciduous forest areas, however, grass pollen levels are generally lower.

In farming areas, rye flowering has also begun. As the pollen grains of this cultivated grass are comparatively large and have limited dispersal ability, increased levels are to be expected, particularly in sunny weather in the immediate vicinity of rye fields. Pollen is released predominantly in the morning.

Various plantain species are currently flowering in meadows and on roadsides. However, corresponding pollen has so far only been detected sporadically in the air. The first pollen grains from the already flowering sorrel have also been recorded. Furthermore, stinging nettles are now in bloom and are contributing to the current pollen count.

In the mountainous regions of Styria, the green alder continues to flower. Its range lies above 1,000 metres above sea level, where the highest pollen levels are currently being recorded. During prolonged sunny spells, its pollen can be carried by long-range transport into the lowlands, where it causes pollution. For allergy sufferers with a sensitivity to birch trees, green alder pollen is particularly relevant, as cross-reactions can occur.

Linden trees in Styria have now reached full bloom. As their flowers are adapted for pollination by insects, their pollen rarely enters the air in significant quantities. However, the intense floral scent can irritate the airways of sensitive individuals.

Current temperatures and rainfall are favouring the fungal spore season, which has now clearly begun. Allergy-relevant levels of Cladosporium and Alternaria are regularly detected at our monitoring stations. Whilst rain reduces pollen concentrations in the air, offering relief for allergy sufferers, fungi release large quantities of spores, particularly after rainfall.