Time to stock up on tissues! Hay fever warning is issued as the Met Office predicts high pollen levels across England and Wales over the Easter weekend
- The Met Office says pollen levels are expected to be high in most of England and Wales over the weekend
- A pollen load is considered high when between 50 and 150 pollen grains are measured per cubic meter
- While pollen is usually quite high at this time of year, high barometric pressure and low winds will exacerbate the problem
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With temperatures forecast to hit 22C (71F) in parts of the UK this weekend, many Brits will look forward to getting outside and enjoying the sunshine.
But if you suffer from hay fever, you might want to consider moving your Easter celebrations indoors.
The Met Office has announced pollen levels are expected to be high over most of England and Wales over the Easter weekend.
Speaking to MailOnline, a Met Office spokesman said: “High pressure conditions will keep winds fairly light over much of the southern part of the UK this weekend, meaning pollen will be spread less rapidly.”
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, typically when it comes into contact with the mouth, nose, eyes, and throat. Pollen is a fine powder from plants
The Met Office confirmed the news on Twitter this afternoon.
“If you suffer from hay fever then watch your pollen levels for the upcoming Easter weekend,” it tweeted.
“The tree pollen season is now in full swing with high levels expected for areas in England and Wales.”
On Easter Friday pollen levels will be high in most parts of England including North West England, Yorkshire and Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East England, London and South East England and South West England.
High levels will persist in these areas through Saturday and Sunday, while Wales will also see high pollen levels on these days.
Fortunately, pollen levels are set to ease for most of the UK through Monday, with levels remaining high only in East England, London and South East England.
Pollen counts are considered high by the Met Office when there are between 50 and 150 grass pollen per cubic metre.
While pollen counts are usually quite high at this time of year, the high barometric pressure and light winds this weekend will compound the problem.
“If the wind is too light, the pollen is unlikely to be lifted off the ground to be dispersed, but if it is too windy, the pollen will be blown farther and thinner,” the Met Office explained.
“Different types of pollen require different wind speeds for ideal dispersal, but birch pollen, for example, needs moderate to strong winds.”
The Met Office confirmed the news on Twitter this afternoon. “If you suffer from hay fever then watch your pollen levels for the upcoming Easter weekend,” it tweeted. “The tree pollen season is now in full swing and high levels are expected for areas in England and Wales.”
The prognosis will be bad news for the 20 per cent of Britons who suffer from hay fever – an allergy caused by pollen grains.
“Pollen is a fine powder that plants shed as part of their reproductive cycle,” the NHS explained.
“It contains proteins that can cause the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses (small air-filled cavities behind the cheekbones and forehead) to become swollen, irritated and inflamed.”
If you suffer from hay fever, according to Kleenex, there are several things you can do to prepare for this weekend’s high pollen forecast:
- Consider your choice of clothing. AAccessories like hats and wrap-around sunglasses can prevent pollen from reaching your face, hair, and eyes.
- Try an allergen barrier balm around the base of the nostrils and around the sunglasses
- Plan your daily trips carefully and always check the weather forecast before leaving home
- Take a shower when you get home. Pollen can remain on your skin and hair after you’ve been outside
- Always carry a pack of tissues with you
