For individuals in Victoria plagued by hay fever, expert advice currently recommends seeking the sanctuary of their homes until the arrival of Thursday. This cautionary directive comes in the wake of extreme pollen levels sweeping across the state.
Just this Friday, Melbourne Pollen alerted the public to prepare for elevated grass pollen levels. The combination of a spring season that’s running warmer than typical averages and the force of prevailing winds have set up the perfect conditions for this pollen surge.
Dr Edwin Lampugnani, a preeminent pollen expert affiliated with the school of biosciences at Melbourne University, urged hay fever sufferers to exercise care. He suggested the safest course of action may be to remain indoors until Thursday.
Statistics suggest that hay fever plagues approximately one fifth of Australians. “For those who suffer from grass pollens allergies, this guidance certainly holds water,” stated Dr. Lampugnani. “It’s prudent to heed such advice and start medications early. After all, the condition can be excruciatingly debilitating.”
He further warned of impending extreme grass pollen levels set to blanket parts of Victoria, from Sunday extending at least until Thursday. According to current pollen forecasts, much of Victoria is headed for “extreme” conditions while southern regions brace for “high” levels. This ushers in a 30-year record for the earliest start of the pollen season, as reported by Melbourne Pollen.
On Friday, areas including the state’s north, northeast, Mallee and Wimmera are experiencing “extreme” conditions, while the east retains a “high” rating. While Melbourne is categorized as low, the southwest is holding at moderate.
Since the start of this October, the state has witnessed nine high grass pollen days. This starkly contrasts with the same time frame in 2020 where only five high pollen days were recorded. Consequently, the current high pollen count has adroitly captured and held the attention of concerned experts.
Forecast models suggest the trend will continue, predicting high-to-extreme grass pollen levels across northern Victoria by tomorrow. By Monday, it’s projected that the entirety of Victoria will be grappling with extreme grass pollen levels.
Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and connected to updates. Conveniently, the Melbourne Pollen website or the Melbourne Pollen Count app provide current warnings and future forecasts to help people stay ahead of the pollen curves.
