Pollen levels are very high in and around Akureyri, RÚV reports, putting something of a damper on the nice weather the region has been experiencing of late. According to the Icelandic Institute of Natural History, pollen levels are considerably above the average for this time of year, causing considerable irritation for those with pollen allergies.
The institute has measured airborne pollen levels since 1988. Measurements are taken in both Akureyri and Garðabær, in the capital region, from the beginning of April until the end of September every year.
As weather conditions in Northeast Iceland have been warm and dry of late, birch pollen levels in particular are currently very high in the region. Pollen levels are far lower in Garðabær, perhaps owing to the considerable amount of rain the capital region received in May.
