Forecast

Thunderstorms, a slight drop in temperature, and flowering mugwort!

Thunderstorms are also expected to continue in Vorarlberg on Thursday and Friday. Thunderstorms with increased lightning activity can cause pollen to burst open, releasing more allergens. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the airways and lead to sudden spikes in symptoms, known as ‘thunderstorm asthma’. At the weekend, it will be sunny and dry again, with temperatures around 30 °C. Mugwort flowering will gather pace over the weekend, so people with pollen allergies who are sensitised to this composite flower should expect high pollen counts. The warm, humid weather will also cause fungal spore levels to rise. Allergy sufferers who are sensitive to fungal spores should prepare for moderate to high levels of exposure.

Common mugwort is flowering in the valley areas of Vorarlberg and we are approaching the peak of its flowering season. As its pollen is highly allergenic, people with sensitivities should avoid areas with dense stands of the plant, such as railway embankments, rubble sites, roadsides and along the Rhine and the Ill. 

In the lowlands of Vorarlberg, grass pollen concentrations have fallen to a low late-summer level. However, flowering grasses can still be found along streams and rivers, as well as in woodlands, meaning that locally intense pollen dispersal is possible. In the mountainous regions of Vorarlberg, particularly at altitudes above 1,500 metres, some grass species are still flowering, meaning that allergy-triggering pollen may be present in the air. If the wind is blowing in the right direction, grass pollen can be carried from there down into the valleys, increasing local pollen levels. Nettles, sorrel and plantain are also still in flower and are contributing further to pollen levels.

Ragweed is also growing and sprouting in the Rhine Valley; it will take until August for it to flower. If you spot ragweed populations whilst out and about, please feel free to report them via the ‘Ragweed Finder’ citizen science platform. Reports can be submitted either via the website ragweedfinder.at or via the app (for Android and iOS). The reports are checked by experts from the “Ragweed Finder” team, plotted on the ragweed map and forwarded at regular intervals to the relevant authorities in the federal states. These authorities can then use the sightings to take further action.

As already mentioned, the warm, humid weather will encourage the production of fungal spores. Over the coming days, people who are sensitive to fungal spores should expect moderate to high levels of exposure. At higher altitudes, exposure levels are lower.

In addition to the pollen types already mentioned, pollen from bee balm, hops, hemp, amaranthaceae and juniper is currently also present in the pollen spectrum. However, these pose only a low allergenic risk.