Hay fever warning in North West amid high pollen count this week

Hay fever sufferers are being warned as the pollen count shoots up to its highest level in parts of the UK this week. It comes as temperatures stretch to the low 20s across the country, including in the North West.

Greater Manchester will see highs of 20C between Wednesday and Friday, according to the Met Office. The mercury dips to a maximum of 18C on Saturday, climbing to 20C and then 22C on Sunday and Monday respectively.

The pollen count is set to rise to 'very high' for three consecutive days, between Wednesday and Friday, for much of the UK this week, according to the Met Office's most recent weather maps. The north west's pollen count increases from high to very high on Wednesday, with the rest of England except for the North East also seeing very high levels. Wales and Northern Ireland are forecast the same, while south Scotland will see high levels and north Scotland medium.

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The North West's pollen count remains very high on Thursday. The North East and parts of southern Scotland also jump from high to very high. Meanwhile Friday sees the pollen warnings relax in Northern Ireland, southern Scotland and Wales. However the whole of England will once again see 'very high' pollen counts.

Saturday's forecast predicts a dip to 'high' levels of pollen in the North West. Wales, Northern Ireland, South West England, London and the South East as well as Strathclyde in Scotland will see the same. Southern Scotland, North East England, Yorkshire and the Humber, the East and West Midlands and East England are predicted 'very high' levels.

The Met Office said about the pollen in the North West: "Grass pollen will rise in warm, dry weather. Nettle, dock