Overview
- The Met Office has forecast pollen levels from medium to very high across much of England for the week and issued red “very high” warnings for London, the South East and the East of England.
- The warnings were published on Tuesday and cover a period of elevated counts that forecasters say will persist through Friday with day‑to‑day regional variation.
- The Met Office says warm, dry conditions and light winds have driven grass pollen release, which typically peaks in June and is the main trigger for hay fever now.
- The NHS has issued practical advice for sufferers, including keeping windows and doors shut, showering and changing clothes after being outside, using antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays as needed, and using filters to reduce indoor pollen.
- More than 16 million people in the UK have hay fever, so pharmacies are urging regular use of antihistamines and early advice from staff if symptoms worsen or do not respond to over‑the‑counter treatment.