Spring has finally arrived in the UK and while most people will be welcoming the longer, lighter days and warmer weather after the long winter, the new season can trigger some unwelcome symptoms.
Unfortunately, the arrival of spring and the start of hay fever season come hand in hand, which for many is one of the major downsides of temperatures hotting up. Hay fever season typically kicks off around late March, with tree pollen occurring first. Mid-May until July covers the grass pollen season, followed by weed pollen which is typically released around June until September.
Pollen levels are very much dependent on weather conditions during spring and early summer, with lower temperatures meaning less pollen is produced. Spring rainfall is also a big influence, as a dry season will reduce the amount of pollen production.
If you’re one of the unlucky ones who suffer from hay fever then you may have noticed some symptoms developing as tree pollen season has already started, with the first pollen being detected as early as February in some parts of the UK.
The Met Office says the best defence against hay fever is “being prepared” and said people can keep track of the levels using its pollen forecast. When pollen levels are high, sufferers are urged to take steps to help reduce the impact, including showering and changing clothes after spending time outdoors.
This is because pollen can cling to your clothes, your skin and your hair when you’re outside, so be showering and changing, this removes the pollen from your body and prevents it from spreading around your home, which can make symptoms worse indoors.
Sufferers are also advised to avoid drying clothes outside when pollen counts are high, and to keep windows and doors shut to help keep pollen out of your house, reducing the risk of symptoms being triggered.
Allergy UK explains: “On high pollen days, shower, wash your hair and change your clothes, especially your outer layer of clothing, when you arrive home. Keep windows closed – this is most important in the early mornings, when pollen is being released, and in the evening when the air cools. Avoid drying clothes or linen outside when pollen counts are high and wipe pets down with damp cloth to remove pollens.”
The Met Office says the start of the hay fever season can also depend on where you live in the UK, with those based in the north tending to see a later start and a shorter season as there’s generally less pollen than in the south. Urban areas will also have a lower pollen count than in the countryside, and inland areas have higher levels than on the coast.
Hay fever symptoms occur when the pollen count (the number of pollen grains in one cubic metre of air) exceeds 50 and this will generally be worst in the early evening when the count is at its highest.
Met Office UK Pollen Forecast Manager Yolanda Clewlow said: “The pollen season has already started and people with a sensitivity to tree pollen may have noticed the early tree species in the air. For those who are allergic to birch pollen, the season for this species is likely to be high, largely due to the conditions last spring and summer when pollen was forming on some trees.
“For grass pollen, which is the most common reason for hay fever reactions, it’s too early to clearly define how the season ahead could look, with much depending on the weather over the next few weeks.”