Six new automated pollen counters will be part of an expanded and more sophisticated thunderstorm asthma risk forecasting system in 2025, keeping Victorians safer on high-risk days this grass pollen season.
These new counters will replace manual traps, and use advanced imaging to deliver faster and more accurate data – giving Victoria a nation leading tool to strengthen forecasting and health alerts.
Providing a three-day forecast for all Victoria’s nine weather districts, the system will indicate a low, moderate or high risk – alerting people when they should avoid exposure outdoors to protect themselves and reduce demand on emergency services.
Thunderstorm asthma typically occurs between October and December when certain thunderstorms cause grass pollen grains to burst into tiny particles, which can be inhaled deep into the lungs and trigger asthma symptoms.
People most at risk are those with asthma, springtime hay fever and undiagnosed asthma. So if you’ve ever wheezed or had shortness of breath during the grass pollen season, speak to your GP about a plan.
You are encouraged to take any prescribed medication, follow your asthma action plan and be alert on higher-risk forecast days – closing windows and avoiding outdoor exposure during wind gusts and storms.
It is also recommended that you check the thunderstorm asthma forecast on Vic Emergency daily, and set up a watch zone around where you live and work, to receive up-to-date advice and warnings.
The launch of the forecast system in 2017 followed the world’s largest epidemic thunderstorm asthma event in Melbourne on 21 November 2016, that tragically resulted in 10 deaths and thousands of people developing breathing difficulties in a very short time.
The new pollen counters are part of a joint investment with the Allan Labor Government investing $2.97 million to deliver the modernised system – supported by a $2.4 million contribution from the Albanese Labor Government through the Disaster Ready Fund, which includes funding for a further three pollen counters in ACT, NSW and SA.
More information on thunderstorm asthma can be found on the Better Health Channel.
Reviewed 05 October 2025
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