With temperatures in parts of the UK set to hit 71°F (22°C) this weekend, many Brits will be looking forward to heading 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 revealed that pollen levels are expected to be high across most of England and Wales over the Easter weekend.
Speaking to MailOnline, a Met Office spokesperson explained: ‘High pressure conditions will keep winds fairly light over much of the southern part of the UK this weekend, which will mean pollen is less quickly dispersed.’
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, typically when it comes into contact with your 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 hayfever, then be aware of the pollen levels through the coming Easter weekend,’ it tweeted.
‘Tree pollen season is now in full swing, with high levels expected for areas of England and Wales.’
On Easter Friday, pollen levels will be high across most of England, including in North West England, Yorkshire & Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London & South East England, and South West England.
High levels will persist in these areas through to Saturday and Sunday, while Wales will also experience high pollen levels on these days.
Thankfully, pollen levels will subside for most of the UK by Monday, with levels only remaining high in the East of England and London & South East England.
Pollen count is considered high by the Met Office when there is a reading of between 50 and 150 grains of grass pollen per cubic metre.
While pollen is usually quite high at this time of the year, the high pressure and low winds this weekend will compound the issue.
‘If the wind is too light the pollen will barely get off the ground to be dispersed, but if it is too windy, the pollen gets blown further afield and thins out significantly,’ the Met Office explained.
‘Different types of pollen will need different wind speeds for ideal dispersion but Birch pollen, for example, needs moderate to high winds.’
The Met Office confirmed the news on Twitter this afternoon. ‘If you suffer from hayfever, then be aware of the pollen levels through the coming Easter weekend,’ it tweeted. ‘Tree pollen season is now in full swing, with high levels expected for areas of England and Wales’
The forecast will come as bad news for the 20 per cent of Brits who suffer from hay fever – an allergy caused by pollen grains.
‘Pollen is a fine powder released by plants 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 your cheekbones and forehead) to become swollen, irritated and inflamed.’
If you suffer from hay fever, there are several things you can do to prepare for the high pollen forecast this weekend, according to Kleenex:
- Consider your wardrobe choices. Accessories like hats and wrap-around sunglasses can stop pollen from reaching face, hair and eyes.
- Try using an allergen barrier balm around the base of the nostrils and around sunglasses
- Schedule your daily outings carefully and always check the forecast before leaving the house
- Shower when you return home. Pollen can stay on your skin and hair after you’ve been outside
- Always carry a pack of tissues with you
