A “pollen bomb” warning has been issued to hay fever sufferers across Britain as pollen counts are forecast to surge nationwide just as temperatures climb to a sweltering 35C next week.
The Met Office has predicted “very high” pollen levels across most of England and Wales from Sunday, continuing into the heatwave that follows. London, southern England, the West Midlands, East Midlands, the North West and Wales will all see the highest possible pollen rating from Sunday through to Thursday, while Yorkshire and the North East face a “high” warning for most of the week.
The combination has already had a measurable impact on those affected. According to Allergy UK, one in four adults and one in eight children in Britain suffer from hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, with symptoms typically worsening during the summer months. NHS England confirmed on Sunday that visits to its hay fever advice page had more than doubled as temperatures began rising, recording 12,990 visits between 14 and 17 June compared with 5,632 the previous week — a rise of 131 per cent.
Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said the warm weather was likely to increase pollen levels and cause “discomfort for hay fever sufferers.” He added: “Most people will be able to manage their symptoms with medication that is available off the shelf from community pharmacies and supermarkets, and the NHS website has more advice on how to deal with the discomfort.” He cautioned against overuse of medication, warning: “People should be careful not to double dose on medication which might make them drowsy particularly if planning to drive.”
The discomfort has been widely documented on social media. One TikTok user described the toll hay fever takes during summer months. “I don’t think people realise how much hay fever actually ruins your quality of life in the summer,” she said. “My eyes are squinted, tissue in hand, my nose won’t stop running — I’ve gone through about two packs of tissues today already and it’s not even lunchtime. I am just fed up, to be honest.” The video drew sympathetic responses, with one user writing “It’s awful,” and another adding: “I was literally bedridden all weekend & couldn’t breathe it was sooo bad.”
The pollen surge coincides with two amber weather warnings issued by the Met Office for Monday and Tuesday, covering parts of England and Wales including London, Brighton, Cardiff, Nottingham and Norwich. Temperatures are expected to reach 35C on Tuesday, with forecasters suggesting the all-time June UK temperature record of 35.6C, set in Southampton in 1976, could be broken in the coming days.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates warned the heat would be accompanied by high humidity and “tropical nights” in parts of the country. “Temperatures are forecast to reach 32°C on Monday, climbing further to 35°C on Tuesday and Wednesday,” he said. “By Thursday temperatures are currently forecast to drop slightly, with a peak of 34°C more confined to the southeast of England. Importantly high humidity will also mean this feels close, warmer and more uncomfortable for many. Tropical nights, where the temperature doesn’t drop below 20°C are also likely for some, especially in urban areas.”
The Met Office has urged hay fever sufferers to plan ahead and take simple precautions on days when pollen levels are expected to be particularly high. Recommendations include treating early symptoms with antihistamines before a full flare-up develops, using corticosteroid nasal sprays for itchy or red eyes, runny noses, swollen sinuses and sneezing, and taking practical steps such as removing outdoor clothing and showering after high pollen exposure, keeping windows closed at night, and avoiding keeping flowers indoors.
