Households in England are being told not to dry clothes on washing lines this weekend as another heatwave grips the country. Temperatures are forecast to build day by day reaching 30C in some areas on Friday, before exceeding 30C over the weekend. Saturday is expected to be the hottest day with highs of 33C possible in parts of England and Wales, and a yellow Heat Alert is currently in place for England until Tuesday, July 15. While these hot temperatures provide the ideal conditions for drying clothes outdoors, it can actually do you more harm than good if you’re unfortunate enough to suffer from hay fever.
This weekend’s hot weather comes hand in hand with a surge in pollen levels this weekend, with “high” and “very high” alerts covering almost the whole of England over the coming days. Hay fever symptoms can be made worse when the weather is warm and humid, and unfortunately that’s just what’s on the cards over the next few days.
The Met Office has issued “very high” pollen alerts for have been issued for North East England, Yorkshire and Humber, North West England, West Midlands and South West England on Saturday, July 12, while “high” alerts cover East Midlands and London and South East England.
Pollen levels will remain high on Sunday, July 13, with “high” alerts remaining in place for Yorkshire and Humber, North West England, West Midlands, South West England, London and South East England.
As there is no cure for hay fever experts say the best thing to do to manage symptoms is to take preventative measures, including not drying your clothes on a washing line outdoors.
Pollen is sticky and can cling to your clothes, hair and skin when you’re outside, so by leaving your washing to dry outdoors for several hours, you’re essentially inviting pollen into your home as you’ll bring it back inside once your washing is dry and this can make symptoms worse. Instead, it’s advised that you dry clothes indoors when pollen levels are high as this will help to keep pollen at bay and minimise your symptoms.
Experts at MattressOnline say: “Don’t dry clothes on an outside washing line. Some of your washing habits might need changing when dealing with hay fever symptoms. For example, avoid drying your clothes and bedsheets outside in the fresh air after doing your laundry, where pollen and dust can collect. Instead, dry them in a tumble dryer or hang them up inside.”
The Met Office has warned that both UV and pollen levels will be high this week – even with some showers being forecast over the weekend – so it’s recommended that you avoid drying washing outdoors to help ease symptoms and prevent bringing bring pollen back into your home.
The forecaster said: “Rain can be bad news for hay fever sufferers. It helps the grass grow well and if it’s followed by dry weather there will be higher levels of pollen.”
Fenham Hall Medical Group adds: “Pollen is fine and sticky. Blocking it out when you are outside is the best way to minimise its effect. Sunglasses can help prevent pollen from reaching your eyes, and wearing a hat can stop it from sticking to your hair and getting into your face. When you get home, shower, wash your hair, and change all your clothes.”
