We provide here pollen forecasts and recommendations, that are based on our scientifically evaluated data and our expertise. It is our aim to inform persons concerned by pollen allergies in Vienna in a most comprehensive, accurate way and free of charge.
Video Highlight: Ragweed (Ambrosia) pollen from the plant to the microscope slide
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Here you can see the process of embedding ragweed (Ambrosia) pollen. A panicle that is already flowering is tested in the field for pollen release and packaged. In the laboratory, individual flowers are then embedded on a microscope slide and the ragweed (Ambrosia) pollen is examined under the light microscope.
Current pollination
LEGEND
Due to current cause:
Although the main pollination period of the native grasses in the Vienna area has been over since mid-July there may be higher amounts of grass pollen again in the next days. The main reason for this is the flower of common reed. Lake Neusiedl in Burgenland is home to the second largest reed belt in Europe. Since common reed (Phragmites australis) is also part of the sweet grass family and flowers in the end of August or the beginning of September fair amounts of grass pollen is transported to Vienna if the wind comes from easterly directions. In addition to the flowering of heat-loving ornamental grasses and neophytes such as Bermuda grass, higher grass pollen concentrations can occur again, especially at the beginning of September.
Photo: Flowering ragweed (left) and flowering common reed (right)
High pollen concentrations of ragweed and grasses with southerly winds!
Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is currently in its peak flowering season. High pollen concentrations are mainly expected on days with winds coming from the east, southeast, and south.
Native mugwort species have reached the end of their flowering period. Only occasionally, secondary flowering occurs, which can still trigger symptoms near larger plant populations.
The main pollination period of grasses is over, but southeasterly winds can these days bring in high amounts of reed pollen from surrounding areas. Within the city itself, ornamental grasses are now the main source of pollen. In shaded areas, isolated flowering grasses may still be found — something to keep in mind when walking in wooded areas.
In the meadows, plantain is still in flower. Its pollen can cause cross-reactions in people allergic to grass pollen.
Nettle plants such as stinging nettle and pellitory are at the end of their main flowering period and release pollen only sporadically.
Concentrations of fungal spores (Cladosporium and Alternaria) are already decreasing. On days with temperatures above 25°C, higher levels are still possible.
The weather will remain late-summery over the weekend. Southerly winds are expected to bring higher concentrations of ragweed pollen from Sunday onwards. Then, grass pollen levels may also peak once more due to the flowering of reed. Mugwort is releasing only moderate amounts of pollen, as are nettle plants. Also fungal spore concentrations are about to decline.
Pollination profile
Ragweed:
State of the flower: main flowering period/high pollination
trend: decreasing
time of the start of the flowering season: average
Grasses:
State of the flower: end of main flowering period/high pollination
trend: decreasing
time of the start of the flower: earlier than average
Fungal spores:
State of the season: main season/high spore concentrations
trend: decreasing
time of the start of the season: average
Mugwort:
State of the flower: end of the main flowering period/hardly any pollination
trend: constant
time of the start of the flowering season: average
Nettle plants:
State of the flower: end of the main flowering period/hardly any pollination
trend: constant
time of the start of the flower: average
You can find the typical pollen seasons in our pollen calendar.
Tip of the season:
The ragweed pollen season in eastern Austria is heavily influenced by the long-range transport from the eastern and southeastern neighboring countries. On days with a dominant eastern/southeastern wind direction, pollen allergy sufferers should make appropriate preparations and if possible avoid prolonged periods of time outdoors, especially in the late afternoon and evening hours.
Pollen spectrum:
Pollen from the goosefoot family, the cypress family, hop, and mercury is also detected at our monitoring station.
Current main allergen: Ragweed
Pollination time in Vienna: August to October
Occurrence in Vienna: Ragweed prefers disturbed land and occurs mainly on construction sites, along railway embarkments, motorways, roadsides, on farmland and fields (maize, sunflower) on the outskirts of Vienna.
Who is “the ragweed“?
Ragweed, common hogweed, annual ragweed, low ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia): This is the most common ragweed species in Vienna. It was introduced as a neophyte and is meanwhile well established especially in the East and South of Austria. This species is annual and may grow up to 1,8m. It can occur also around bird houses and gardens due to contaminated bird food.
Perennial ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya): This species produces less seed because it spreads mainly through their roots.
Giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida): It possesses three-feathered leaves in contrast to other species of ragweed (feathered leaves) and may grow until 4m height.
Cross-reactivity to pollen of other plants: to other genera within the same family of composite plants (Asteraceae), among others mugwort
The GeoSphere Austria is our partner for weather forecasts and weather data. We are grateful for the professional interchange and the cooperation.
Video Highlight: How to properly remove Ragweed
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Ragweed tends to grow in fallow land, along fields, as well as on construction sites and in bird feeding areas. When removing ragweed it is important for pollen allergy sufferers to take protective measures. Wearing a mask and sunglasses when the flowers are open minimizes contact with pollen. Wearing gloves helps to prevent potential skin reactions. Pulled plants should neither be thrown in the organic waste nor be composted to avoid further seed dispersal. It is best to dispose of the plants in a plastic bag in the residual waste. A big thank you to everyone who removes ragweed!