The Met Office has issued a ‘red alert’ for hay fever with very high pollen levels affecting millions for the upcoming week. As spring unfolds, temperatures are expected to reach a warm 24C across the country, coinciding with the peak tree pollen season, leading to symptoms like runny noses and watery eyes for hay fever sufferers. Individuals with severe symptoms are advised to limit outdoor activities in the coming days.
Pollen levels are at ‘very high’ in England, Wales, and parts of Scotland, while ‘high’ levels are anticipated further north. The trend is expected to persist with lower levels in the north but remaining ‘very high’ in the southeast and East Anglia.
On days with ‘very high’ pollen counts, Allergy UK recommends staying indoors, keeping windows shut, and showering after outdoor exposure. Non-sedating antihistamines, wraparound sunglasses, and allergen balm can help mitigate symptoms for those needing to go outside. It is advised to consult a GP if hay fever symptoms start to appear.
Tree pollen allergies, stemming from birch, oak, hazel, alder, and poplar, affect a quarter of hay fever sufferers, with an increasing prevalence, especially among young people, due to climate change prolonging pollen-producing seasons.
The weather forecast by Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick for Tuesday predicts dry, settled conditions with warm sunshine across England and Wales, while cooler temperatures are expected in eastern Scotland. Some rain is forecasted for the far northwest, with clear skies and light winds elsewhere. Isolated fog patches may form in rural areas overnight.
