Last updated on 13/10/2025

 

Asthma Australia is reminding Adelaide residents to be prepared and make sure their asthma is well controlled, with early forecasts pointing to a higher grass pollen season across South Australia. A wetter-than-average winter across much of the state has created ideal growing conditions for grass, setting up the potential for a stronger pollen season in 2025, according to AirHealth’s latest outlook: https://www.pollenforecast.com.au/extra-news/seasonal-outlook-2025-adelaide-grass-pollen-season/.

AirHealth CEO Dr Edwin Lampugnani said soil moisture levels remain higher than this time last year, especially across the Mount Lofty Ranges and nearby districts, providing a stronger foundation for grass growth this spring. 

“The conditions we’re seeing this spring suggest the potential for a more active pollen season,” Dr Lampugnani said. “With wetter soils, early grass growth, and the prospect of more rain ahead, South Australians could experience higher pollen levels than in recent years.” 

Satellite imagery also shows greener pastures across the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula and parts of the Mid North, suggesting there is more grass biomass available to produce pollen once flowering begins. If further rain arrives in October, grasses are well positioned to respond quickly, which could lead to a more intense or longer pollen season than in 2024. 

Dr Lampugnani said. “People can track daily pollen forecasts and receive push notifications through the free AirRater app to stay ahead of high-risk days.” 

Asthma Australia South Australia Director Nigel Cooper said “Now is the time for people with asthma or hay fever to act — check your asthma control with your GP, there are also asthma control questionnaires online at Asthma Australia.  

“Use your preventer as recommended and make sure you have an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan, which formalises how to manage asthma and what to do if symptoms worsen,” he said. 

Most people with asthma would take their reliever out with them because symptoms can flare when they are exposed to triggers like grass pollen. The latest asthma guidelines recommend against relying only on a blue reliever inhaler. Anti-inflammatory relievers containing both a preventer and reliever medicine in one device are now recommended in place of the blue reliever alone. 

How to prepare 

Asthma Australia recommends the following steps: 

  • Determine your risk and check your asthma control – Book a review with your GP, ensure your preventer is used at least daily as prescribed, and have an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan that sets out exactly what to do if symptoms worsen.  
  • Keep your reliever close by. 
  • Manage hay fever – Take recommended treatments to reduce sensitivity to pollen, including nasal steroid sprays. 
  • Stay informed daily:
    AirRater offers real-time forecasts and symptom tracking, helping people monitor exposure to pollen and air pollution. 
  • Be prepared during storms – On high pollen and storm days, stay indoors where possible, close windows and doors, and keep your reliever inhaler handy. 
  • For resources and support, visit asthma.org.au or call 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) to speak with an Asthma Educator.