Thunderstorm asthma forecast

Published on 20 September 2023

The epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecasting system will operate between 1 October 2022 and 15 January 2023. It combines the forecasting of a certain uncommon type of thunderstorm and forecasting of grass pollen levels across Victoria.

It spans three days (today, tomorrow and the day after) and uses a colour-coded scale from low to high risk: green (low), orange (moderate) and red (high).

Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma Risk Forecast

People should be aware of the heightened risk of thunderstorm asthma in general throughout the grass pollen season and be appropriately prepared.The forecast should not replace appropriate prevention and good asthma and hay fever management, which is the best way to protect yourself from thunderstorm asthma.

The risk of an epidemic thunderstorm asthma event occurring is forecast daily during the Victorian grass pollen season (typically 1 October to 31 December). This season has been extended until 15 January 2023.