Met Office issue warning as 'pollen bomb' hits UK causing misery for hay fever sufferers

Hay fever sufferers are in for a rough few days as the Met Office warns pollen counts are set to be 'very high' over the next few days.

According to the latest Met Office forecast the pollen count across the UK is expected to be very high - the highest level it can be - until at least Tuesday, June 25. Counts in some parts of Scotland will only be high or medium.

The Met Office says: "The 'pollen count' is literally the amount of pollen per cubic metre observed over 24 hours.

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"It is sometimes used interchangeably with the term “pollen forecast” but the pollen count is used, along with what the weather is up to, to forecast pollen levels over the coming days. The 'forecast' is actually a forecast of the risk of the level of pollen over the coming days."

The National Pollen and Aerobiological Unit, based at the University of Worcester, said the very high pollen count is currently being caused by grass pollen and weed pollen.

Grass pollen is in peak season, with a high to very high risk during warm, dry weather. Nettle pollen is also in peak season, with some plantain and dock pollen also airborne.

There are currently moderate levels of tree pollen and fungal spore levels.

High pollen counts can cause misery for people who get hay fever. This is a common allergy that causes sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes. You cannot cure it, but there are things you can do to help your symptoms or medicines you can take to help.

The NHS says there are a number of things you can do to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high. Tips include:

The NHS suggests you don't do the following: