Forecast

Heatwave, thunderstorms, pollen and fungal spores are in the air!

As the main flowering season for grasses is already over and mugwort is just beginning to flower, a moderate pollen count is expected over the coming days. On Thursday and Friday, temperatures in the lowlands of Vorarlberg will rise above 35 °C, and from Friday afternoon onwards, the likelihood of thunderstorms will increase. This is relevant for people with pollen allergies, as pollen can burst open before thunderstorms with increased lightning activity. This can release large quantities of the allergen into the air and lead to very sudden spikes in pollen levels, known as ‘thunderstorm asthma’. The warm, humid weather following the thunderstorms will boost the dispersal of fungal spores.

In the valley areas of Vorarlberg, the main grass flowering season has already passed, and pollen levels are generally only low to moderate. Locally, for example along streams and rivers or in woodlands, grasses may continue to cause high pollen levels. At altitudes above 1,500 metres, grasses are still in bloom and may cause allergy-relevant pollen dispersal. During sunny spells, pollen may be carried long distances into the lowlands and valley areas. This can increase local pollen levels in the afternoon and evening. 

The maize flowering season is drawing to a close. People who are sensitive to grass pollen should continue to avoid maize fields. Maize pollen is among the largest in the plant kingdom and therefore only travels short distances. As a result, high pollen counts occur only in the immediate vicinity of maize fields.

Stinging nettles, sorrel and plantain are also still in flower and are contributing further to the pollen count.

The first specimens of common mugwort are flowering in Vorarlberg. However, it will not reach its peak flowering period until the first half of August. As its pollen is highly allergenic, people with sensitivities should avoid areas with dense stands of the plant (e.g. on railway embankments, rubbish tips, roadsides, and along the Rhine and the Ill). For this group of allergy sufferers, cross-reactions to celery, carrots and camomile may occur.

Ragweed is also growing and sprouting, but it will not flower until well into August. If you spot ragweed populations whilst out and about, you are welcome 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 reviewed 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.

The warm, humid weather is promoting the production of fungal spores. Over the coming days, people who are sensitive to fungal spores should expect moderate to high levels of spore concentration. Very high concentrations of fungal spores can be released, particularly in the vicinity of fields where harvesting is taking place. At higher altitudes, exposure levels are lower.

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