Canberra hay fever sufferers might be reaching for the tissues more often this spring, with higher pollen levels forecast for the capital.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
If you thought last season was bad, brace yourself – this year could be worse.
ANU professor Simon Haberle, one of the creators of Canberra Pollen Count and Forecast, said a wet winter combined with warmer and drier weather over the coming months was bad news for springtime sneezers.
Warmer-than-average conditions are expected to sweep through the region thanks to an El Nino. During El Nino events, high-pressure systems tend to sit over the country, making it harder for clouds to develop and bring rain.
"I think it will be as bad [as last year] or worse, depending on the severity of the El Nino," Professor Haberle said.
"That could bring on an earlier start to the hay fever season and could also prolong the season."
Pollen counters have already began monitoring levels, despite formal counting not due to begin until October 1.
Professor Haberle said hay fever would probably worsen from about late September, but many Canberrans might already be battling symptoms if introduced tree species such as birch, elm and ash triggered their sinuses.
"There's a range of introduced trees people are allergic to and some of these are beginning to flower now," he said.
"The big culprit is grass and that will probably kick in the last week of September or first week of October. Soon enough warmer weather will increase production in grass and that leads to a lot of pollen."
Canberrans will get a taste of the warmer weather this weekend with a sunny Friday, Saturday and Sunday in store.
Meteorologist Rob Sharpe said a high-pressure system sitting over central Australia was gradually moving east, drawing warmer air with it.
Friday was forecast to top 19 degrees. Saturday and Sunday were expected to reach 21 and 22 degrees.
Mr Sharpe said Sunday would probably be the sunniest ahead of some showers early next week.
"I think people should be making plans out and about in Canberra on the weekend," he said.
"There's a chance of a couple of showers moving through on Monday or Tuesday. That's when that front and trough will be moving through, bringing a chance of a couple of showers and a much cooler air mass."
Mr Sharpe said anyone already battling hay fever symptoms should watch out for windier weather on Monday and Tuesday.
"Windy days are the ones that are the worst for for hay fever sufferers," he said.
