Victorians, including those in Hume and Whittlesea, are being reminded to protect themselves and their loved ones from the risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma by using Victoria’s world-class risk forecasting system this grass pollen season.
Grass pollen season, which typically runs from the start of October until the end of December, brings with it a seasonal increase in asthma and hay fever – and the chance of thunderstorm asthma.
Epidemic thunderstorm asthma occurs when many people develop asthma symptoms over a short time caused by high amounts of grass pollen and a certain type of thunderstorm.
Victoria’s forecasting system, which is operating from October 1, until December 31, enables people who have asthma or seasonal hay fever – and who are at risk – to plan ahead and reduce their risk.
The forecasting system, launched in 2017, gives a three-day forecast showing the risk of this type of event, from low (green), moderate (orange) to high (red) risk, across the nine Victorian weather districts.
The epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast is available daily through the VicEmergency website and app, and community members can set up a watch zone to receive advice and warnings for their area. The forecast is also on health.vic.gov.au and the Melbourne Pollen website and app.
