Earlscliffe - Howth Weather

Pollen data © Google.

The pollen forecast uses the Google Pollen API which continuously assesses various pollen types and plant indices at a high resolution of 1 x 1 km² (0.6 x 0.6 mile²) across more than 65 countries. It provides forecasts up to five days ahead, covering three plant types (grasses, trees, and weeds) and 15 distinct species. The model incorporates inputs such as land cover, climatological data, and annual pollen production per plant to deliver accurate predictions of local pollen levels and potential exposure risks.

Universal Pollen Index (UPI)

Google categorises pollen levels using the the Universal Pollen Index (UPI) which shows daily pollen levels on a global scale, from 0 (none) to 5 (very high). It blends local pollen counts with plant allergen data to give a clear, easy-to-read measure of pollen risk.

Plant pollen forecast for Howth for the next 3 days

Plant details

Detailed information for the various plant species listed above and their potential for allergenic effect.

Plant description	Cross reactions	Photo plus Close-up (click image for detail)
PLANT: Birch TYPE: TREE FAMILY: Betulaceae (the Birch family) PLANT COLOUR: The bark is usually whitish-gray, silver, or sometimes red. PLANT SHAPE: Birch leaves are often triangular with jagged edges. The bark on most birch trees has horizontal dark streaks that look like scoring. Birch tree bark is also well-known for its paper-like texture and peeling nature. SEASON NOTES: Late winter, spring	Alder, Hazel, Hornbeam, Beech, Willow, and Oak pollen. In addition, there may be a higher risk for food allergies like hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts, pears, apples, cherries and carrots.
PLANT: Grasses TYPE: GRASS FAMILY: Poaceae PLANT COLOUR: None PLANT SHAPE: The leaves are alternate, long and narrow and the leaf margin is smooth. SEASON NOTES: Late spring, summer	Plantain (Plantago) pollen. In addition, there may be a higher risk for food allergies like melons, oranges, tomatoes, peanuts, soy, potato, and other legumes.
PLANT: Mugwort TYPE: WEED FAMILY: Asteraceae (the daisy family) PLANT COLOUR: The leaves are green on the upper side and gray-green on the lower side. PLANT SHAPE: The leaves are alternate, divided and pinnate. SEASON NOTES: Late summer, autumn	Ragweed and Goldenrod pollen as well as daisies such as Sunflower, Dandelion and Chamomile. In addition, there may be a higher risk for food allergies like mustard, peach, celery and various herbs and spices.
PLANT: Olive TYPE: TREE FAMILY: Oleaceae (the Olive family) PLANT COLOUR: Leaves are colored dark green upper side and silver underside. PLANT SHAPE: The leaves are oppositely arranged, and linear with smooth margins. SEASON NOTES: Late spring, early summer	Ash and Privet pollen.
PLANT: Pine TYPE: TREE FAMILY: Pinaceae (the Pine family) PLANT COLOUR: Reddish-brown or gray bark. PLANT SHAPE: The leaves are green needles. SEASON NOTES: Spring	Spruce, Hemlock and Fir pollen.

Pollen data and heatmap © Google. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Other forecasts

Forecasts for other parts of Ireland can be found at these sites:

• Pollen.ie
• Met Éireann pollen forecasts (April to September)

Please note: Like all forms of forecasting, pollen forecasts are indicative, and conditions on the ground at a local level may differ significantly from those forecasted (especially on the coast). Therefore, never base important decisions on this or any weather information obtained from the Internet.

Pollen and the related seasons

Pollen is the male fertilising agent of flowering trees, grasses and weeds and is a major allergen that can result in symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) for some people. For those affected, different people react to different types of pollen and at differing levels, from mild irritation to a severe deterioration in those people's well-being. Therefore, an understanding of the level and types of pollen in your area can help those affected by pollen allergies to plan how they manage and cope with any symptoms and affects.

Most of the pollens that cause allergic reactions come from trees, grasses and weeds, each with different pollen seasons, and durations. Pollen seasons can start early in spring and can go on into the autumn months. The commencement of the seasons depends upon when the plant begins to go through the flowering process and can be measured by the level of airborne grains concentration per category and species.

The following chart gives the approximate pollen seasons for different trees, grasses and weeds, showing average peak periods. The timings and durations may vary locally, but this general understanding may help those people affected by pollen allergies to plan for the seasonal pollen types that effect them the most.

Further information

Further information can be found at these sites:

• HSE Hay Fever
• How to beat hay fever this summer

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