Overview
- The German Weather Service reports medium to strong hazel pollen levels in North Rhine-Westphalia, the Rhein‑Main area and the Upper Rhine, with parts of Lower Saxony and Saarland also affected.
- Eastern German states currently see lower exposure because cooler air has slowed the development of early bloomers.
- DWD observers noted the first flowering hazel on December 10, and by the New Year nearly half of hazel shrubs in NRW were in bloom.
- Research indicates earlier plant development from milder winters and higher CO2, while short‑term weather such as rain and wind strongly modulates day‑to‑day pollen levels.
- Doctors advise early evaluation and appropriate treatment, caution against prolonged use of decongestant nasal sprays, and note that untreated hay fever can progress to asthma in about one third of patients.