France faces maximum allergy alerts for urticaceae and ambrosia

High allergy risks are affecting much of France, with pollen levels for urticaceae and ambrosia reaching maximum alert levels (5 out of 5) in several regions. The northern half of the country, including Île-de-France, Hauts-de-France, Normandy, Grand Est, and Centre-Val de Loire, is facing the highest risk.

In the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the situation is particularly critical. Data from the Regional Health Agency (ARS) indicates that approximately 16.1% of the population in this region is allergic to ambrosia, a figure that rises to 19.3% in highly exposed sectors. In the Rhône department and Lyon metropolitan area, heat and wind are facilitating the dispersion of pollen, with risks expected to increase in areas like Beaujolais and the Azergues valley.

Weather conditions are exacerbating the health threat. While sunny and warm weather promotes the initial release of pollen, incoming thunderstorms may increase respiratory sensitivity. Storm-related updrafts and gusts can fragment pollen grains into smaller, more penetrable particles, making them more likely to enter deep into the respiratory tract.