Improved Protection for Victorians This Thunderstorm Asthma Season
06 Oct 2025
These high-tech counters replace manual traps and use advanced imaging to provide faster, more accurate data. This upgrade will strengthen Victoria’s ability to forecast thunderstorm asthma risks and issue timely health alerts — giving the state one of the most sophisticated systems in the country.
The system provides a three-day risk forecast for all nine Victorian weather districts, classifying the risk as low, moderate or high. These alerts help people know when to limit outdoor exposure and take steps to protect their health, while also easing pressure on emergency services.
Thunderstorm asthma usually occurs between October and December, when certain thunderstorms cause grass pollen grains to burst into tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs, triggering severe asthma symptoms.
People most at risk include those with asthma, springtime hay fever or undiagnosed asthma. If you experience wheezing or shortness of breath during this season, it’s important to speak with your GP about managing your symptoms.
Victorians are encouraged to:
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Take prescribed medication and follow their asthma action plan
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Keep windows closed and stay indoors during stormy or windy weather
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Check the thunderstorm asthma forecast on VicEmergency daily
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Set up a “watch zone” around where they live and work for timely alerts and updates
The improved forecasting system builds on lessons learned from the 2016 Melbourne thunderstorm asthma event, the world’s largest recorded, which tragically caused 10 deaths and thousands of breathing emergencies in just a few hours.
The upgrade is jointly funded by the Allan Labor Government, which has invested $2.97 million, and the Albanese Labor Government, contributing $2.4 million through the Disaster Ready Fund. The federal funding will also support new pollen counters in the ACT, New South Wales and South Australia.
For more information on thunderstorm asthma and how to stay safe, visit the Better Health Channel.
Source: Victorian Government / Better Health Channel
