Households across the UK are being urged to keep their windows and doors shut as much as possible, particularly between 10am and 3pm, over the next few days. The advice comes now that hay fever season is in full swing in the UK and another heatwave is forecast to sweep the country this weekend. The Met Office has said the weather will be warm and humid over the weekend, with temperatures in excess of 30C expected in the south east and East Anglia on Sunday, June 29, and highs up to 34C on Monday, June 30, as the heatwave reaches its peak.
An amber heat-health alert is in force for the East Midlands, South East, South West, London and the East of England until Tuesday, July 1, while pollen levels will be “high” for much of the UK on Sunday, worsening on Monday with “very high” levels in Yorkshire and Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South West England, London and South East England.
The UK experienced its warmest meteorological spring and May in 2024 since records began in 1884, and this combined with even warmer temperatures at the end of last June has provided “ideal” conditions for pollen production.
Hay fever symptoms, which include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes and headaches, are typically worse between late March and September, especially if the weather is warm, humid and windy.
As there is no cure for hay fever, experts recommend taking preventative measures to minimise symptoms and say windows and doors should be kept shut when pollen levels are high, as this prevents pollen particles from blowing into your home and clinging to your furnishings, which can then make symptoms worse.
While NHS advice recommends keeping windows and doors shut “as much as possible”, if you are keen to let a bit of fresh air into your home during the warmer weather then you should try to limit this to certain hours of the day.
Glen Peskett, DIY expert at Saxton Blades, says it’s important for sufferers to allergy-proof their home and urges households to shut windows and doors between the hours of 10am and 3pm – particularly if it’s windy – as this is when the pollen count is usually at its highest, so you’ll be maximising your exposure during these hours.
He said: “It’s important to get fresh air, and when the weather begins to improve, it’s even more tempting to open your home up to the warmer elements.
“However, during peak pollen times – usually between 10am and 3pm, and on windy days – it’s extremely beneficial to keep your windows and doors shut. This is especially important in bedrooms, where you want to breathe easy at night.”
Advice from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) also recommends staying out of the sun during the hottest times of the day, between 11am and 3pm, and to ensure windows and curtains stay closed in rooms that face the sun.
The UKHSA adds: “Homes can overheat and become uncomfortable during warmer weather, particularly when you are trying to sleep. Take the following steps to cool your home:
- close blinds and curtains on windows that are exposed to direct sunlight during the day
- close external shutters or shades if you have them
- move to a cooler part of the house, especially for sleeping
- open windows (if it is safe to) when the air feels cooler outside than inside, for example at night, and try to get air flowing through your home
- use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35°C, but do not aim the fan directly at your body as this can lead to dehydration
- check that any heating is turned off
- turn off lights and electrical equipment that are not in use
- go outside if it is cooler outside in the shade.”