Millions of Brits warned to remain indoors as 24C solar sparks week-long ‘pollen bomb’
The Met Office has issued a red alert for hay fever with “very high” pollen levels forecast across England and Wales for up to a week, as 13 million sufferers brace themselves
The tree pollen season has started in the UK (Image: Getty)
The Met Office has issued a “red alert” for hay fever as millions face up to a week of “very high” pollen levels. Spring is making its presence felt in multiple ways this week, with pleasant 24C temperatures expected across the country while evenings become markedly brighter.
However, for countless numbers among Britain’s 13 million hay fever sufferers, the onset of prime tree pollen season brings streaming noses, irritated eyes and headaches as seasonal allergies emerge once more. This week’s forecasts have now triggered fresh warnings for those experiencing particularly acute symptoms to restrict outdoor time over the coming days.
Met Office charts reveal pollen levels marked in red at “very high” today throughout England and Wales, plus certain areas of Scotland. “High” concentrations are anticipated further north.
A similar situation persists through the week, with pollen declining to “low” or “medium” in northern regions but staying at “very high” across the southeast and East Anglia through the weekend.
Guidance for “very high'” pollen days from Allergy UK recommends remaining inside, closing windows and bathing following outdoor exposure.
Elevated counts usually emerge during warm, dry, blustery days, with triggers often most intense during early morning and early evening periods, reports the Mirror.
Those who need to head out can take non-drowsy antihistamines, don wraparound sunglasses and use allergy protection cream around their nostrils. You should consult your GP if you suspect you’re starting to experience hay fever symptoms.
Tree pollen allergies – triggered by particles from birch, oak, hazel, alder, and poplar – currently impact around 25% of all those affected.
However, experts warn the condition is growing more widespread, especially amongst younger generations, as climate change brings about milder, extended seasons that prompt trees to generate more powerful, plentiful pollen.
During her weather bulletin for Tuesday, Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick said this morning: “For most, particularly across England and Wales, dry, settled, and lots of warm sunshine to go around.
“We could potentially see highs reaching around 23 to 24C in parts, but a little bit cooler, particularly around the eastern coast of Scotland. Highs probably only reaching around 10 to 11C here.
“Then in through the evening, still some outbreaks of rain across the far northwest. This a little bit heavy at times as the system drifts its way northwards. Elsewhere though, remaining mostly dry, some patchy cloud across the north.
“Plenty of clear skies in the south and mostly light winds. So there’s a chance we could see some isolated spots of mist and fog first thing in the morning, but it should mostly be in rural prone spots and not quite as chilly overnight either.”
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