Weather News

Sneezing season about to spike

Sneezing season, which started early this year, will reach a new peak this week with the prospect of thick pollen and dust blowing across southern Australia.

Hay fever sufferers are in for an uncomfortable time as strong, dry, warm northerly winds whip up dust and rip vast amounts of pollen from trees, bushes and grass.

Pollen will affect mainly coastal areas, including the capital cities and the levels will be very high. Dust will be mainly confined to inland areas, where the most drying out has occurred in the last few months.

South Australian residents will find tissues and hankies most useful on Tuesday. For Tasmania and Victoria, New South Wales and southern Queensland the sneeziest day will be Wednesday.

Warm northerlies are to be generated ahead of a strong cold front and intense low pressure system. The cold front and low will then bring some relief a day or so later, in the form of dust-and-pollen-settling rain.

Unfortunately for some, the rain will not penetrate a long way inland and not reach parts of the east coast. That means places such as Sydney and Brisbane will cop a few days of dusty winds, possibly right through until the weekend.

This week may go down as the sneeziest of the year due to the warmth and strength of the winds and the amount of grass and tree growth.

- Weatherzone

© Weatherzone 2012

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