Harrismith pollen forecast - today, tomorrow and the week ahead

Today (16 July) pollen in Harrismith is low; cypress, mugwort, plane, and urtica are low. Tomorrow (17 July 2026) levels are similar. Over the following five days mugwort will increase; cypress, plane, and urtica will decrease. Forecasts are calculated by Airmine using satellites to map local vegetation and determine pollen season onset.

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Harrismith's Free State Drakensberg foothills setting features Drakensberg highland grassland, acacia, and eucalyptus as the main pollen sources, with exposure varying between the Platberg Mountain above and the more built-up commercial corridors in the valley town. Platberg is a particularly significant local pollen source, while the surrounding eastern Free State Highveld farmland contributes substantial grass pollen and the dramatic mountain setting creates pronounced elevation-based pollen gradients throughout.

Today - 16 July

  • Alder (Alnus):

    None

    0/100

  • Birch (Betula):

    None

    0/100

  • Hazel (Corylus):

    None

    0/100

  • Cypress (Cupressaceae):

    Low

    1/100

  • Grass (Poaceae):

    None

    0/100

  • Willow (Salicaceae):

    None

    0/100

  • Mugwort (Artemisia):

    Low

    14/100

  • Mulberry (Morus):

    None

    0/100

  • Plane (Platanus):

    Low

    4/100

  • Urtica:

    Low

    2/100

High pollen levels may trigger sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. Airmine's neighbourhood estimates use satellites to map local vegetation and a statistical prediction model, updated four times daily.

Tomorrow - 17 July

  • Alder (Alnus):

    None

    0/100

  • Birch (Betula):

    None

    0/100

  • Hazel (Corylus):

    None

    0/100

  • Cypress (Cupressaceae):

    Low

    5/100

  • Grass (Poaceae):

    None

    0/100

  • Willow (Salicaceae):

    None

    0/100

  • Mugwort (Artemisia):

    Low

    20/100

  • Mulberry (Morus):

    None

    0/100

  • Plane (Platanus):

    Low

    8/100

  • Urtica:

    Low

    6/100

Air quality in Harrismith

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is pollen high in Harrismith right now?

On 16 July 2026, overall pollen levels in Harrismith are low. Platanus is the main contributor to airborne pollen, while urtica, artemisia, and cypress remain at lower levels

Will pollen levels change in Harrismith tomorrow?

On 17 July 2026, pollen conditions in Harrismith will be similar to today, with platanus at low levels, urtica at low levels, artemisia at low levels, cypress at low levels

Is pollen expected to decrease in Harrismith this week?

According to the five-day outlook, platanus, urtica, and cypress pollen levels are expected to gradually decrease, while artemisia pollen will increase, suggesting mixed conditions later in the week.

Which pollen types are currently active in Harrismith?

On 16 July 2026, Platanus is the dominant pollen source in Harrismith. urtica, artemisia, and cypress are also present but at lower levels. morus are not currently active.

When is pollen season in Harrismith?
Harrismith's Free State Drakensberg foothills season opens in August with Drakensberg highland grasses and acacia before grass from surrounding eastern Free State Highveld farmland peaks through November and December. The Platberg Mountain above creates pronounced elevation-based pollen gradients, while the surrounding Highveld farmland contributes substantial grass and crop pollen throughout the summer rainfall season.
How often is the Harrismith pollen forecast updated?

The Harrismith pollen forecast is updated four times daily. See the timestamp below for the most recent update.

Does pollen in Harrismith come from nearby or far away?

Studies show that most pollen exposure (often 70–90%) comes from nearby sources, such as local trees and vegetation. A good pollen forecast therefore depends on accurately representing local vegetation. Pollen can travel long distances, but this usually matters only early in the season or during specific wind events.

Are pollen levels in Harrismith based on measurements or forecasts?

Pollen data is often misunderstood. Most "pollen levels" are not real-time measurements, but forecasts.

Direct pollen measurements are typically delayed by 1-2 days because they require manual analysis. To show current conditions in Harrismith, modern forecasts combine recent measurements, weather data, and information about local vegetation.

This allows us to estimate pollen levels for today and the coming days, not just report the past.

Airmine’s atmospheric monitoring platform was developed with support from the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) team, using satellite and Earth observation technologies to improve emissions monitoring.

Want to see pollen forecasts for other cities in South Africa?

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Check pollen in other popular cities:

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Data provided by Airmine — Last update: 16 July 2026 at 10:33 CEST (Data is updated four times daily.)

This page provides the latest public pollen forecast for Harrismith.

For long term forecasts and maps, see the Airmine app

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