We get promising results from our new air quality and pollen sensor, airminer 2.0.
The aim with our airminer 2.0 sensor is to give our customers air quality and pollen levels where they live. The sensor is intended for outdoor use primarily. We measure particles in the air, and use our models to calculate pollen levels.
No surprise, cold weather and lots of rain give less pollen
The pollen levels depend on vegetation, weather and season. Below are calculations of total pollen levels in Drøbak, outside Oslo. The first week of April the most of the pollen measured comes from hazel and alder, while the birch kicks off and takes over from mid-April. We are still working on refining our models to predict levels for specific species.
Weather has been unusually cold in Scandinavia in April and May, the pollen peak recorded so far is about two weeks later than last year’s.
Significant variations through the day and night
The variations in pollen levels through the day and night are quite significant, following the plants’ rhythm in addition to the weather.
Our findings indicate that pollen levels are lower in the mornings than evenings. The two illustrations below show pollen levels per hour, the first one during hazel seaon and the second during the 20 April birch peak.
The pollen levels vary due to weather (rain, wind and temperature), but there seems to be a certain pattern. In the estimations below, pollen levels are at their lowest the last part of the night and early mornings, and pick up during evenings. We will continue to calibrate our sensors and models to investigate these daily variations.
airminer 2.0 – pilot subscription available
We are now busy calibrating sensors and adjusting models and will soon send out the first batch to our pilot customers. We still have some sensors available for pilot customers, if you are interested, please sign up here (we currently only ship to Norway).
Pollen forecasts – also in our app
While you wait to get your own sensor to measure pollen, you may use our 4-day pollen forecast (for European locations) in our Airmine app, together with pollen maps.
The pollen models are continuously being improved. Any feedback from our readers/users regarding on how to improve the forecasting service is much appreciated! Download the Airmine app here:
