Forecast

Thunderstorms, rain, mugwort and ragweed are in bloom!

There will be thunderstorms in Vorarlberg on Thursday. 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’. On Friday and Saturday, the weather will remain changeable. The rain will keep pollen concentrations low. However, if the sun comes out for a bit longer, mugwort, ragweed, stinging nettles, plantain, foxtail and goosefoot plants may cause symptoms. Grasses are now only causing a low level of pollen exposure. Due to the rainfall, fungal spore levels will fluctuate between moderate and high concentrations.

Common mugwort is still flowering in the lowlands of Vorarlberg, but the number of plants that have finished flowering is already increasing. Mugwort pollen is highly allergenic and even a small number of pollen grains – 6 to 10 per cubic metre of air – can cause symptoms. 

Ragweed is also in bloom. 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 reports to take further action.

Fungal spores are released in greater quantities, particularly after rainfall. In the coming days, people who are sensitive to fungal spores should therefore expect moderate to high levels of exposure. Exposure is lower at higher altitudes.

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