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Current grass pollen forecast for Adelaide metropolitan area
If you are allergic to pollen, check the forecast regularly to help reduce your exposure and manage your symptoms.
Forecasts are updated daily at 10:15 am. Forecasts displayed before this time may reflect the previous update.
The South Australian pollen monitoring project is supported through a Commonwealth Disaster Ready Fund Round One grant led by Victoria Health, and delivered in collaboration with AirHealth Pty Ltd.
Pollen forecast levels
The pollen forecast indicates a low, moderate, high and extreme level of pollen exposure risk. The forecast levels indicate how likely people who are allergic to pollen will experience symptoms. Use the table below to see what each level means and what you can do to reduce your risk.
| Forecast level | What it means | What people at risk can do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Pollen-related symptoms are less likely for most people. | Continue usual asthma or hay fever management. |
| Moderate | Some people who are sensitive to pollen may have symptoms. | Monitor symptoms, continue usual asthma or hay fever management and follow your asthma action plan if you have one. |
| High | People who are sensitive to pollen are more likely to have symptoms. | Reduce outdoor exposure, where possible, and continue your usual hay fever or asthma management. |
| Extreme | People with asthma or spring hay fever may be at increased risk. | Reduce your exposure where possible. Stay indoors before and during storms, where possible, close windows and doors, use recirculated air, and follow your asthma action plan if you have one. |
This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. People with hay fever, asthma or suspected pollen allergy should consult their doctor or pharmacist for a personalised management plan.
The pollen forecast uses meteorological information and pollen monitoring data to forecast expected airborne pollen levels. A higher risk category indicates that higher pollen levels are predicted, although actual levels may vary by location and throughout the day. The forecast does not predict how an individual will be affected, does not replace or substitute medical advice, an action plan, or appropriate management.
While care has been taken to ensure information contained in this publication is correct and up to date, the Government of South Australia accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, omissions of information, or actions that may be taken as a consequence of reading the information published on this web page
If you have severe breathing difficulty or an emergency, do not delay seeking medical advice or call Triple Zero (000).
Pollen and thunderstorms
High or extreme levels of grass pollen combined with certain thunderstorm conditions can increase the risk of thunderstorm asthma. Thunderstorm asthma is uncommon and requires specific weather conditions.
Thunderstorm asthma can occur when grass pollen levels are high or extreme.
Learn more about thunderstorm asthma.
About pollen monitoring in South Australia
The South Australian pollen monitoring program commences October 2026 and will use an automated pollen counter to monitor for ryegrass pollen annually during the late spring early summer (October to January).
Monitoring information will contribute to daily ryegrass pollen risk forecasts, which will be published on SA Health website from 1 October and 31 December each year.
The monitoring provides an indication of pollen conditions, but actual exposure levels vary depending on local vegetation, weather conditions and location.
How the pollen forecasts are developed
Pollen forecasts use information including:
- recent pollen monitoring data
- weather observations
- weather forecasts, including wind, temperature, rainfall and humidity
- seasonal patterns in pollen production.
The forecasts are a guide and cannot predict exactly how each person will be affected.
Receive pollen notifications from AirRater
The AirRater app provides information about pollen, air quality and weather conditions.
You can use AirRater to:
- check pollen and environmental conditions in your area
- record your symptoms
- help identify possible environmental triggers
- receive notifications about changing conditions in your area.
Download the AirRater app to receive regular notifications.