In southern Sweden, hazel and alder have started blooming in February, with low to moderate levels of pollen in the air. In Blekinge, high levels of hazel pollen have even been measured, according to Pollenrapporten.
This year's pollen season has started early – it usually begins a bit into March. This is due to the mild winter, explains Nestor González Roldán, researcher responsible for the Pollen Laboratory at the University of Gothenburg.
It's a bit early, but not abnormal. Compared to last year, we hardly had any winter at all. With these temperatures, plants wake up from their hibernation and start blooming, he says.
The current cold snap is dampening pollen dispersal, but only temporarily.
When the temperature rises, it will start blooming again, and then the season is definitely here, says Nestor González Roldán.
This year's season is expected to be tough for birch pollen allergy sufferers, according to forecasts.
Trees and flowers do not produce the same amount of pollen every year, and it usually shifts every two or three years. According to my predecessor, this will be a year with a lot of birch, says Nestor González Roldán.
