Warning for hay fever sufferers as UK set for ‘worst pollen levels in 70 years’

If you suffer from hay fever there’s some bad news this week, as warm temperatures are set to bring high levels of pollen.

With highs of 23C expected in some parts of the country, this year’s spring pollen levels are set to be the highest since 1951, when records began, according to reports.

Just last week doctors said the recent cold spell had delayed the release of pollen from trees, which means a more condensed pollen season is on the way.

Today’s pollen count, via the Met Office

The Met Office issued a warning for North West England, saying: “Birch tree pollen at a high risk during dry, sunny weather. Ash pollen season will continue as well.”

According to its pollen forecast, over the next few days most of the UK is set for high levels of pollen, with the North West no exception. 

Hay fever is an allergy which is caused by pollen grains released during pollen season – this normally runs from March to November in the UK, the Met Office says.

Common symptoms include sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, mouth and throat, while less common ones could be things like headaches and hives.

Head over to the Met Office website here for this week’s pollen forecast in full.