The Met Office has a ‘High’ pollen forecast across England until Saturday
Hay fever sufferers to experience ‘pollen bomb’ in the UK
It may at last be time to put away the winter coats, but now the winter chill is set to be replaced by another weather nuisance.
Soaring temperatures in the UK this week, which could reach as high as 26°C (80°F), will bring misery to millions of hay fever sufferers.
Experts have warned of a ‘condensed spring’ this week as the UK will deal with a period of intense flowing that could lead to a ‘pollen bomb’.
Scientists say the high levels of a pollen are a result of a long and brutal winter. The sudden sunny weather follows the months of snow, rain and freezing temperatures Britons have had to endure.
Concerned charities have today warned pollen is a ‘top trigger’ for asthma attacks, which can prove deadly.
Holly Shaw, nurse advisor at Allergy UK, added: ‘The warmer weather can signal the start of allergic symptoms for people with hay fever.
‘Pollen avoidance can be challenging due to the many different types of pollens from grasses, trees and weeds being released at different times of the year.’
Sonia Munde, nurse manager at Asthma UK, said: ‘Pollen is a top trigger for asthma attacks at this time of the year, affecting an estimated 3.3 million people with asthma in the UK.
‘People with asthma who also have a pollen allergy not only experience classic hay fever symptoms such as itchy eyes and a running nose, but are also at an increased risk of a life-threatening asthma attack.’
‘High’ warning
The Met Office is issuing a red ‘High’ warning in its pollen forecast from today until Saturday, as the ‘African Blowtorch’ brings record temperatures.
The Met Office’s John West said: ‘With these higher temperatures and an area of high pressure in charge, pollen levels are going to be higher than average, affecting those with hay fever.’
Hay fever is thought to affect around 18 million people in Britain and 60 million people in the US.
Hay fever is thought to affect around 18 million people in the UK and 60 million in the US, and scientists are researching new treatments to relieve symptoms including a 24 hr stick-on patch and an injection