Forecast

Sun, Saharan dust, rain, sun – these mean fluctuating pollen levels for those with pollen allergies!

In the second half of the week, the weather will follow a pattern of sun, Saharan dust, rain, sun. From Thursday onwards, the Saharan dust may irritate the eyes and mucous membranes, thereby exacerbating pollen-related symptoms. The heaviest rainfall is expected on Friday and Saturday morning. The rain will reduce pollen levels and provide short-term relief for people with pollen allergies. During sunny spells, and as soon as the herbaceous plants’ inflorescences have dried out again, pollen counts from ragweed, mugwort, foxtail plants, stinging nettles and plantain may pick up again. The rain also ensures that fungal spore levels remain high.

Ragweed is currently in bloom in the Rhine Valley. If you spot ragweed populations whilst out and about, you can report the plant via the Ragweed Finder app or at ragweedfinder.at, thereby informing the relevant authorities in the federal states about the presence of this invasive plant.

Although mugwort has already passed its peak flowering period, people with sensitivities should continue to avoid dense stands of the plant, such as those found on roadsides, on spoil heaps or on railway embankments.

Most grasses have already finished flowering. However, along still and flowing water bodies, reeds are beginning to flower in isolated patches. People with allergies who are sensitive to grasses should bear this in mind when out walking.

In Vorarlberg, concentrations of fungal spores relevant to allergy sufferers are still being recorded.

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