Victoria braces for intense pollen season and thunderstorm asthma risk
A warm, wet winter triggered an early, intense pollen season and heightened thunderstorm asthma risk.
Victoria is heading into a risky spring. Months of rain and warmth created thick grass across the state.
The result is an early pollen season and higher risk of thunderstorm asthma. Thunderstorm asthma happens when sudden weather changes cause pollen grains to burst.
The burst grains release particles deep into the lungs. Ten years ago, Victoria had the world's worst thunderstorm asthma event.
It killed 10 people. It caused breathing issues in thousands.
From today through December, the VicEmergency app will give three-day thunderstorm asthma forecasts for each of Victoria's nine weather districts. People with asthma or hay fever should take prescribed medication, watch forecasts, and stay inside during storms.
- 10 people
- Deaths from past event
- 9
- Weather districts covered
- 7 counters
- Pollen monitoring equipment
- Today to December 31
- Forecast period
Why it mattersThunderstorm asthma is very serious. Advance warning and preparation can prevent hospital visits and deaths.
AustraliaVictorians with asthma or hay fever face higher risk this spring and should monitor the new VicEmergency forecasts and adjust medication as needed.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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