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Melbourne could experience more high and extreme grass pollen days this spring following Victoria’s wettest winter in a decade, according to AirHealth’s 2026 Victorian grass pollen outlook.
The outlook forecasts a more active season across Melbourne, western and central Victoria than in 2025, with abundant winter rainfall driving stronger soil moisture and grass growth across key pasture districts west and north of the city. Melbourne recorded 20 high or extreme grass pollen days last season, and that number could be exceeded if current moisture levels persist through the flowering period.
Victoria received 231.2 mm of rain over winter, 13 per cent above the long-term average, making it the state’s wettest winter since 2016. While the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a warmer and generally drier spring, AirHealth says the timing of drying conditions will determine the scale of the pollen season.
“Victoria’s wettest winter in a decade has given grasses a strong head start,” said Dr Edwin Lampugnani, CEO of AirHealth, operator of the Melbourne Pollen service.
“Across the pasture districts west and north of Melbourne, there is more moisture in the soil and more grass growth than there was a year ago. That creates a real prospect of more high and extreme pollen days in Melbourne this spring.
“The remaining question is timing. If spring heat dries the landscape before grasses finish flowering, the season may be shorter. If the moisture lasts into October, Melbourne could experience a significantly bigger grass pollen season than last year.”
The outlook is less active for Gippsland and south-eastern Victoria, where soils are drier and vegetation is less green than last year. Unless further rainfall arrives, grass pollen levels in those areas are likely to be lower than last season.
Asthma Australia CEO, Kate Miranda, said grass pollen can trigger asthma symptoms and attacks in people who are sensitive to it, making early preparation particularly important in Victoria. “For people with asthma, the message is simple: don’t wait for a high pollen day or for your asthma symptoms to worsen. Prepare now,” Ms Miranda said.
“Pollen season is a good reminder to check in on your asthma. Make sure your medicines are right for you, your inhaler technique is correct, and your written Asthma Action Plan is up to date. If your asthma is not well controlled, talk to your doctor or pharmacist now rather than waiting until pollen levels rise.
“Victorians also need to be particularly alert when high grass pollen levels coincide with thunderstorms. Check pollen and thunderstorm asthma forecasts, keep your asthma medicines with you and know what to do if your symptoms worsen.”
How to prepare for the grass pollen season
- Download the Melbourne Pollen App (available on Apple and Google App stores) 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 asthma preventer medicines as prescribed and keep your reliever or anti-inflammatory reliever 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
Dr Edwin Lampugnani, CEO, AirHealth 0438 564 330.
Kate Miranda, CEO, Asthma Australia, 0491 137 548
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
