In southern Sweden, Hassel and Al have started blooming in February, with low to moderate levels of pollen in the air. In Blekinge, high levels of hazel have even been measured, according to the pollen report.
This year’s pollen season has started early – usually it starts a bit into March. This is due to the mild winter, explains Nestor González Roldán, a researcher who is responsible for the pollen laboratory at the University of Gothenburg.
– It’s a little early, but not abnormal. Compared to last year, we have hardly had any winter at all. With those temperatures, the plants wake up from their rest and begin to bloom, he says.
Tough season
The current cold snap dampens the pollen spread, but only temporarily.
– When the temperature rises, it starts to bloom again and then the season is definitely here, says Nestor González Roldán.
This year’s season looks to be tough for birch pollen allergies, according to the forecasts.
– Trees and flowers do not produce as much pollen every year and it usually changes two or three years. According to my predecessor, this will be a year with a lot of birch, says Nestor González Roldán.