A 'pollen bomb' is set to strike Britain this Bank Holiday and cause misery for hay fever sufferers.
After one of the wettest May's on record, the UK is finally basking in some sunny weather and warm temperatures as summer approaches.
But a medium grass pollen risk is on the cards across the country through into Monday, according to the Met Office.
Data from the Kleenex Pollen Forecast, meanwhile, shows pollen levels are continuing to climb with peak pollen season ahead of us, reports Bristol Live.
Sunny weather and temperatures up to 20 degrees are forecast across the UK over the Bank Holiday, which are expected to contribute heavily to higher pollen levels.
According to New Scientist, plants need a period of cold then warm temperatures in order to flower - but this can be hampered by longer winters.
Flowers that couldn't sprout in the spring will sudden explode into life all at once, hence the term 'pollen bomb'.
Kleenex Pollen Forecast
The severity of pollen levels is measured by Pollen Grains Per Cubic Metre (PPM).
A reading of 200-703 for tree pollen is considered high, and anything above 704 very high.
Selected regions with currently high forecasts for tree pollen in the UK on Sunday include:
London: 277 PPM
Belfast: 285 PPM
Bristol: 267 PPM
Leeds: 272 PPM
Leicester: 289 PPM
Liverpool: 290 PPM
Manchester: 281 PPM
Nottingham: 288 PPM
The Kleenex Pollen Forecast provides a detailed pollen count for all 1.7 million postcodes across the UK three days in advance, enabling those with hay fever to plan days out using pollen data specific to their local town or city, rather than a broad national forecast.
Its data is sourced from Ambee, which collates information from pollen traps across the country, about local weather on the day and on different types of trees, weeds and grass in a specific area.
Amena Warner, Head of Clinical Services, Allergy UK, has shared advice for hay fever sufferers on how they can manage symptoms when meeting friends and family in the garden, pub or park:
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 Kleenex Pollen Forecast before leaving the house. Monitoring pollen levels daily can help you plan ahead to manage your symptoms
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
Always carry a pack of tissues with you
Ori Ben Shai, Vice President and Managing Director, Kimberly-Clark UK, said: “We know how unpleasant hay fever can be and are delighted to continue our partnership with Allergy UK to help the UK’s 13 million hay fever sufferers this summer.
"The Kleenex Pollen Forecast offers unrivalled insight into local pollen levels and should be a big help for anyone struggling with allergies.
"We recommend that anyone with hay fever symptoms check pollen levels in their postcode daily to ensure they can prepare appropriately and need not hide inside while the sun is shining”.
