UK weather: A heatwave could hit next week – but there’s a big catch for hay fever sufferers thanks to ‘pollen bomb’ | News from the United Kingdom

High pollen levels are shocking parts of the UK – bringing new misery to hay fever sufferers – with a heatwave forecast for next week.

The Met Office has warned that pollen counts will be very high in England over the next five days and will spread to Wales and Northern Ireland from Saturday.

All but the most northerly parts of Scotland will be affected by Monday.

Asthma + Lung UK is urging people with breathing problems to take action in the coming week.

Research by the charity suggests that pollen is a trigger for 47% of people with asthma and 27% of those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also known as COPD).

This can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

Erika Radford, the organisation’s head of health advice, told Sky News: “When pollen particles are inhaled, they can cause inflammation in the airways and get into the lungs, making it difficult for people with lung disease to breathe. That can be scary.” .”

Asthma sufferers were encouraged to use their preventer inhaler every day as prescribed and to always have a relief inhaler close at hand – even when at home.

Brits who suffer from hay fever can take antihistamines, ask their GP to prescribe a steroid nasal spray and avoid being outdoors as much as possible on high pollen days.

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Other top tips for controlling pollen include:

• Not hanging laundry outside

• Take a shower when you’ve been outside

• Keeping windows and doors closed

• Regular vacuuming and wiping of surfaces

• Taking antihistamines four weeks before the onset of symptoms.

Eating apples and red onions has also been touted as a way to lower histamine levels.

A heat wave on the horizon

Meanwhile, the Met Office is forecasting warmer temperatures as we head into next week – with 30C (86F) possible in isolated places.

While Friday and Saturday look less settled, good conditions are due to return on Sunday and temperatures could be in the mid-20s for many over the next few days.

Check the five-day weather forecast for your location

Chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said: “Some central and southern areas are likely to see temperatures approaching those required for heat conditions.

“Heatwaves are set to remain in place for three consecutive days and by the middle of next week it is possible that parts of the UK could reach thresholds for heatwaves.”

It expects “the best conditions and highest temperatures so far this year” – but cooler overnight temperatures should offer some relief for those battling the heat.

Sky meteorologist Steff Gaulter added: “There’s a cloud of hot, humid air coming in from the south that will start to affect us from Sunday.

“It will bring some considerable cloud cover, but the sunniest places are likely to see temperatures of 27°C on Sunday, 28°C on Monday and 29°C on Tuesday and Wednesday. This may come as a bit of a shock to some people after a rather lackluster start to summer , that we have had so far!

“However, we will not all see these temperatures and there will be some rain in western parts. The highest temperatures look most likely in central and eastern England.”

“Then on Wednesday it looks like we’ll see a breakdown in the storms, but that’s still a long way off weather-wise, so we’ll have to keep you posted on that.”