Apparently, the intensive downpours over the least six to eight months here in Mallorca have laid the ground for an imminent and rather excessive pollen outburst. It would appear that the hay fever season will start earlier this year than is usual and it might be more severe.
The Sociedad Española de Inmunología Clínica (SEAIC) in Madrid is concerned that now, Springtime 2009, the pollen index may rise to 5,100 grammes and above, which would constitute the highest reading for almost ten years. SEAIC also informs us that there are close to 8,000,000 people in Spain suffering from hay fever or similar, pollen related allergies.
Here in Mallorca, things might be even worse. Rainfalls on the island were at their highest levels for decades, and more rain was had on a daily basis for the last week or so. All this rain has given extra boost to the growth of flowers, blossoms and plant pollen, all adding to the pollen count. It would appear that in particular olive trees, pine trees, cypress trees, the gramineae grass plants and the parietaria plant family are the main culprits in the infestation of pollen dust.
In Mallorca, some 20 to 25 % of the population seem to suffer from hay fever or similar allergies. We may even suffer from the pollen and not realise it. We might mistake hay fever for a common cold or for a viral attack that the children caught at school and brought home for us as a sign of their affection.
The good news might be in the weather forecast. The Balearic Territorial Meteorological Centre predicts a normal weather pattern for this springtime. Let’s just see what happens. The weathermen have known to be wrong, here and there and everywhere.
The photo was taken near Portocolom, Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: March 30th, 2009. The time was 15:14:47.
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