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UK Braces for Pollen Bomb This Week
22 Jun
Summary
- Pollen levels surge nationwide due to erratic summer weather.
- Hay fever symptoms intensify for millions across the UK.
- Climate change extends pollen seasons and intensifies symptoms.
Hay fever sufferers in the UK are bracing for a challenging week as a significant increase in pollen levels is anticipated nationwide. This surge is attributed to the summer's erratic weather patterns, which have led to an earlier and more intense start to the grass and weed seasons.
Across England and Wales, grass pollen is expected to dominate, with very high levels forecast for regions including Yorkshire, the Midlands, and the northwest. Southern and eastern England, particularly London and the south-east, are predicted to experience the highest and most sustained pollen counts throughout the week.
Experts note that a combination of breezy, dry weather facilitates pollen dispersal, while a lack of recent rainfall prevents it from being washed away. These conditions, coupled with a warm and dry spring followed by wet spells that promoted robust grass growth, have created ideal circumstances for high pollen release.
Research indicates that climate change is exacerbating the issue, potentially extending the pollen season by one to two weeks compared to the 1990s. This prolonged exposure increases the duration and severity of symptoms for individuals suffering from allergic rhinitis, a condition affecting a significant portion of the adult and child population.
