Hay fever sufferers in Edinburgh are set to be hit with a pollen bomb over the weekend with the highest levels of both grass and weed pollen forecasted for Monday.
Data from the Kleenex Pollen Forecast shows that for the first time this hay fever season, Edinburgh will be on high alert for grass and weed pollen.
On Monday the grass pollen forecast for Edinburgh is 270 PPM (with a reading of 61-341 considered high) and the weed pollen forecast is 138 PPM (with anything from 78-266 considered high).
The Met Office has also warned of moderate levels of pollen in the Lothians on Saturday turning to high levels on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.
They said: "Grass pollen now in peak season. Spores and weed pollen (nettle, dock and plantain) at medium risk in lowland areas."
Amena Warner, who is the Head of Clinical Services, Allergy UK, has shared some advice for hay fever sufferers on how to minimise symptoms.
Consider your wardrobe choices
Accessories like hats and wraparound sunglasses can stop pollen from reaching face, hair and importantly, eyes
Try using an allergen barrier balm
Some allergy sufferers find that applying an allergen barrier balm around the base of the nostrils and around sunglasses creates a barrier to airborne allergens.
Schedule your daily outings carefully
Always check the Pollen Forecast before leaving the house. Monitoring pollen levels daily can help you plan ahead to manage your symptoms and always take tissues with you.
Shower when you return home
Pollen can stay on your skin and hair after you’ve been outside, so take a shower as soon as possible when you return home.
