Pollen bomb mapped by Met Office as UK faces heatwave in days

22 June 2024 , 13:32

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The coming week is set to be a nightmare for hay fever sufferers in all parts of the UK (Image: Getty Images)

Brits are bracing themselves for a summer heatwave as many parts of the UK are set to see their highest temperatures this year but it's not all good news for hay fever sufferers.

Nearly all parts of the UK are forecast to be hit with a ‘pollen bomb’ in the coming days as the warm weather triggers a hay fever nightmare for many.

Temperatures may soar as high as 30C in some spots, the Met Office has said, with highs of 29C possible for London and the south east. Brits are set for “the finest conditions and highest temperatures so far this year” across large parts of the country, the Met Office has said.

But along with the hot weather pollen counts are expected to be “very high” across almost the whole of the UK from Sunday onwards. As of Monday all but the northernmost parts of Scotland will be affected.

Hay fever can make asthma symptoms worse, Asthma + Lung UK warned. “Make sure to pack some antihistamines if pollen triggers your asthma,” they advise sufferers on their website. “You could also speak to your local pharmacist about hay fever treatments."

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Only the northernmost tip of Scotland will be spared the pollen bomb due to strike the UK (Met Office)

Britons who suffer from hay fever can beat the pollen by staying in on days when the pollen count is highest, keeping windows and doors closed, showering after going outside, not hanging washing outside and taking antihistamines after speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.

Chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said: "Some central and southern areas are likely to see temperatures approaching the values needed for heatwave conditions.

"Heatwave conditions need to remain in situ for three consecutive days, and by the middle of next week it is possible that some parts of the UK could be reaching heatwave thresholds."

Temperatures are set to soar with many spots forecast to see the hottest weather of the year (Met Office)

He said Brits could expect "the finest conditions and highest temperatures so far this year." However those headed to Glastonbury Festival might still be faced with the infamous mud.

Met Office spokesman Graham Madge said: "Although the set-up for the festival is likely to be in near heatwave conditions, there is a signal for showers, perhaps even heavy and thundery, towards the end of next week. He added: "by the time we get to the end of the weekend we’ll see temperatures start to climb."

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