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AirHealth has today released the 2026 grass pollen seasonal outlook for Adelaide, predicting higher grass pollen levels and more high-pollen days through October and November than last year.
The outlook follows an unusually wet end to winter. Adelaide recorded 98.6 mm of rain in August, more than twice the rainfall recorded in August 2025 and around 60 percent above the long-term August average. Soils across much of southern South Australia are wetter than last year and satellite imagery shows substantially more green vegetation and grass growth already in place heading into spring.
While warmer and generally drier conditions are expected as spring progresses, AirHealth says the timing of the drying will be critical. If soil moisture sustains grass growth through September and early October, grasses may have time to build biomass and flower before warmer, drier weather arrives. Warm, dry and windy conditions after flowering can then support the release and movement of pollen through the air.
“The ingredients are already in place for a significant grass pollen season in Adelaide this year,” said Dr Edwin Lampugnani, CEO of AirHealth, operator of the AirRater service.
“Soils are much wetter than last year and there is considerably more green growth around Adelaide. If grasses have enough time to grow and flower before the warmer, drier conditions take hold, we could see significant amounts of grass pollen in the air this spring. People with hay fever and asthma should start preparing now.”
Asthma Australia CEO Kate Miranda said grass pollen can trigger asthma symptoms and attacks in people who are sensitive to it, making preparation particularly important ahead of a potentially more active season.
“For people with asthma, the message is simple: don’t wait until pollen levels are high and your asthma symptoms worsen. Prepare now,” Ms Miranda said.
“Make sure your Asthma Action Plan is up to date, take your asthma preventer medication as prescribed and carry your reliever medication with you. Talk to your GP or pharmacist now if your asthma is not well controlled or you are unsure about your treatment.”
“Checking the daily pollen forecast can also help people plan ahead and reduce their exposure when pollen levels are high, particularly on windy days and around thunderstorms.”
How to prepare for the grass pollen season
- Download the AirRater app to check daily pollen forecasts and receive alerts when pollen levels are high.
- Get your asthma ready for spring. If you have asthma, make sure your Asthma Action Plan is up to date, take your preventer medication as prescribed and keep your reliever medication with you.
- Speak with an Asthma Australia Asthma Educator. Call 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) or book a free call at asthma.org.au for personalised information and support to help you manage your asthma and prepare for pollen season.
- Talk to your GP or pharmacist before symptoms worsen, particularly if your asthma is not well controlled, you are experiencing springtime asthma symptoms, or you need advice about managing hay fever alongside asthma.
- Know what to do in an asthma emergency. Learn Asthma First Aid and make sure the people around you know how to help if you experience an asthma attack.
- Reduce exposure when pollen is high. Limit time outdoors during high pollen conditions, particularly on windy days and around thunderstorms, and use AirRater to plan ahead.
AirHealth and Asthma Australia work together to give Australians trusted, timely information about pollen and other environmental triggers, helping people with asthma and allergies prepare, reduce their exposure and better manage their health.
Where to get more information
The AirRater app, available through the Apple and Google app stores, provides daily information about pollen, air quality, smoke and temperature and allows people to track their symptoms against environmental conditions. For asthma information and support, call Asthma Australia’s free 1800 ASTHMA service to speak with an Asthma Educator or visit asthma.org.au.
ENDS
For media interviews
Kate Miranda, CEO, Asthma Australia, 0491 137 548
Dr Edwin Lampugnani, CEO, AirHealth 0438 564 330.
ABOUT ASTHMA AUSTRALIA
Asthma Australia is the nation’s peak body representing nearly 2.8 million Australians living with asthma. Our work is grounded in evidence and informed by the lived experience of people with asthma. Our programs reflect a commitment to outcomes-focused, equity-driven reform, integrating community insight and clinical expertise to strengthen person centred asthma care.
ABOUT AIRHEALTH
AirHealth is a health-focused organisation dedicated to improving public health by monitoring air quality and environmental allergens. AirHealth operates pollen monitoring sites around Australia and delivers pollen and air quality forecast information to help individuals manage their allergies and respiratory conditions. Through collaborations with leading academic institutions and the use of advanced machine learning techniques, AirHealth is committed to empowering individuals to make informed health decisions in response to environmental factors. For more information, visit: https://AirHealthLab.com
