A 'perfect storm' of warm weather and an early release of tree pollen has led to a potentially deadly 'pollen bomb' that could put millions at risk of life-threatening asthma attacks, say the Met Office.
The hay fever season has arrived three weeks early this year after an unusually warm winter, helped by Edinburgh set for a sun-soaked Easter bank holiday weekend as UK temperatures soar to 20°C.
The Met Office is predicting very high pollen levels across most of all of England, Northern Ireland and the majority of Scotland on Friday and Saturday.
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The main culprit is birch tree pollen, which affects one in four hay fever sufferers - and which is already being released across the country and in Edinburgh.
The pollen forecast reveals that Edinburgh's pollen levels will spike to the highest level on Easter Saturday, leading to discomfort and even potentially deadly asthma attacks.
It coincides with some much warmer conditions across the country for the Easter weekend.
And it's not just rural areas that will be affected, the city centre could be just as badly hit as there are many birch trees in Edinburgh's parks, gardens and on streets.
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Sonia Munde, head of services at Asthma UK told The Sun Online: “A deadly pollen bomb is due to hit this week, putting people with asthma at risk of a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.
"Around 3.3million people with asthma are affected pollen, which can cause symptoms such as wheezing, a tight chest or coughing.
“Trees have been releasing their pollen for several weeks, but the unseasonably warm spring weather is going to make these pollen levels suddenly spike.
Edinburgh set for a sun-soaked Easter bank holiday weekend as UK temperatures soar to 20°C
"If you’re already getting symptoms, it’s not too late to help yourself stay well.
"Take your prescribed preventer medicine to soothe your irritated airways so you’re less likely to react to the pollen trigger.
"Take hay fever medicines such as antihistamines as they stop the allergic reaction that triggers asthma symptoms and keep itchy eyes and runny noses at bay.
"Everyone with asthma should keep their blue reliever inhaler with them at all times in case of an emergency."
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