Forecast

Hot days with moderate to high levels of grass pollen in the air!

The weather will remain stable, sunny and dry this week, with maximum daytime temperatures above 30 °C. Under these conditions, pollen will be released unhindered, and people with grass pollen allergies should expect moderate to high pollen levels. From the weekend onwards, the likelihood of thunderstorms will increase. appende###

From the Rhine Valley right up to the Arlberg, the diversity of flowering grasses is on display. We have received reports of flowering specimens of couch grass, brome grass, as well as honey grass, meadow grass, reed grass, rye grass, dogtail grass, cock's foot grass and foxtail grass. At present, the sorrel and plantain species, which are also in flower, may intensify pollen levels in meadows.

Note: Thunderstorms with increased lightning activity can cause pollen to burst open. 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 flowering of the green alder is coming to an end. For people who are sensitised to birch trees, green alder pollen is particularly relevant as cross-reactions may occur. Pollen levels may still be present, particularly in the immediate vicinity of these alders, which can be found at altitudes above 1,000 metres above sea level.

Sweet chestnut and privet continue to flower in the built-up areas of Vorarlberg. The sweet chestnut can trigger cross-reactions in people who are sensitised to beech or birch trees. Privet, a popular hedge shrub, is of significance for pollen allergy sufferers who react to olive trees.

The lime blossom season is slowly drawing to a close. Although their flowers are adapted to insect pollination, their pollen is rarely found in the air. However, the scent of the blossoms can irritate the airways of sensitive individuals.

Fungal spores are already present in the ambient air in quantities significant for allergy sufferers. Fungi release spores more readily, particularly after rainfall, which can cause a sharp short-term rise in spore levels.

In addition to the pollen types already mentioned, pollen from nettle plants, umbellifers, elder, pine, rhododendron and cypresses is currently also present in the pollen spectrum. However, these pose only a very low allergenic risk.