Met Office warns dramatic change in weather to hit ‘half’ of UK ‘tomorrow’

The Met Office has issued a warning of a change in weather to hit the UK tomorrow. The Met Office warned on Thursday June 6 of “high” pollen levels and hay fever to hit half the country on the fourth day of the working week.

The south west, south east and east of England will be hit by a pollen bomb from Thursday. The East and West Midlands will also be affected, as will Yorkshire and the Humber and Wales on the penultimate day of the working week.

Holly Shaw, assistant adviser for Allergy UK, warned: “The condition is becoming more common, partly because of better diagnosis, but also because of climate change, with warmer temperatures causing pollen seasons to start earlier and last longer”.

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“Pollen counts are higher on warm dry days with low humidity and a gentle breeze to help disperse the fine pollen grains into the air and keep the pollen grains moving,” explained Holly. “Some people may experience sneezing fits, while others may have more severe symptoms that affect daily activities,” Holly said.

“Hay fever can have a huge impact on quality of life if not treated or well managed,” she warned. “Having severe hay fever can affect one’s ability to participate in outdoor activities, affect mental health and even have a negative impact on one’s career, especially for someone who works outdoors.”

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is one of the most common allergies in the country, affecting around one in two Britons. Symptoms usually occur when pollen counts are highest – in hot, humid and windy weather. In the case of a “pollen bomb,” a massive release, which can sometimes resemble smoke, travels through the air from trees that have stored huge stacks of pollen.

“Wheezing or shortness of breath may occur if you also have allergic asthma,” she added. Erika Radford, Head of Health Advice at Asthma + Lung UK, told The Sun: “Over three million people with asthma are affected by pollen and when levels are at their highest it can be deadly for those with the condition pulmonary.

“Hay fever can trigger asthma symptoms and increase the risk of a life-threatening asthma attack.” She added: “If symptoms do not respond to usual asthma treatments, symptoms get worse, or if someone develops wheezing or shortness of breath for the first time with hay fever, it is important to seek medical advice quickly.”