Overview
- Germany's weather service (DWD) reported a nationwide red birch pollen risk on Wednesday, marking the season peak.
- A weak band of showers moving west to east late Thursday into Friday could briefly lower counts, mainly in northern regions.
- Forecasters warned that an east wind may carry birch pollen from Poland into Germany, which could offset local improvements.
- The DWD said the mild, dry spell since the Easter holidays sped up tree development and boosted pollen release.
- Doctors and the ADAC cautioned drivers that sneezing fits can impair control and some allergy drugs cause drowsiness, while experts also noted climate change and pollution are increasing pollen potency and sensitivity, with grass pollen likely next.