Pollen Forecast for the Vienna Danube Island Festival 2025
The grass pollen season 2025 has been above average so far, reports the Pollen Service Vienna of the MedUni Vienna. Until recently, there was still high pollen flight throughout Vienna. However, the peak values have now been overcome. In addition to grasses as the main allergen, the tree of heaven, sweet chestnut, and fungal spores also play a role for allergy sufferers at the Vienna Danube Island Festival.
Pollen Forecast for the Vienna Danube Island Festival 2025
Among the flowering grass species on site at the Vienna Danube Island, ryegrass, reed grass, and bent grass are significant. Ryegrass is the most dominant and covers a large part of the meadow areas on the island, while reed and bent grass are more likely to be found near the water along the banks of the Danube.
The grass pollen season has been above average so far. In sunny weather, increased local pollen flight is still possible, but this is mainly expected in the morning for most grasses. The flowering of grasses has now shifted to shadier areas. In the evening, there is a risk of renewed exposure, as pollen from higher air layers can sink due to the lack of thermals.
In the meadows and along the paths on the Danube Island and the rest of Vienna, plantain grows and blooms. Plantain often plays a role in a grass pollen allergy. The plantain pollen season is running average based on the measurements of the Pollen Service Vienna. Dock also appears in the meadows. However, dock pollen plays only a minor role. Likewise, nettle plants such as stinging nettle and pellitory are still in bloom.
Pollen Flight from Tree of Heaven and Sweet Chestnut Possible
The main flowering of the tree of heaven has already ended, but since it is widespread in the Danube region, there may still be relevant pollen dispersal. The tree of heaven is primarily responsible for pollen dispersal in downtown Vienna and is a potential new allergen that benefits from climate change. The sweet chestnut grows locally on the Danube Island and has begun to bloom. Allergy to sweet chestnut pollen itself is rare, but it is a significant cross-allergen for birch pollen allergy. Therefore, tree pollen allergy sufferers may be affected.
Fungal Spores in the Air Too
Spore dispersal benefits from humid and warm conditions. Shortly after rainfall, spore concentrations rise quickly in warm weather. We are currently still in the middle of the fungal spore season. Alternaria and Cladosporium are the most important representatives in spore dispersal.
Maximilian Bastl from the Vienna Pollen Service at MedUni Vienna recommends: “Depending on whether you react to the allergens currently in the air, you need to prepare more or less. In any case, you should always think of your medication and have it on hand, especially if you are currently experiencing symptoms.” Visitors to the Danube Island Festival will find relatively typical conditions for this time of year in terms of pollen and spore dispersal. It is advisable to be prepared in order to celebrate optimally.
(Red)
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