Very high pollen warning issued for Lancashire

Hay fever sufferers in Lancashire are being warned to prepare for very high pollen levels as the region moves through the peak of the grass pollen season.

The Met Office forecast for North West England shows pollen levels rising to “very high” on Monday.

Grass pollen was rated high on Friday, moderate on Saturday and high again on Sunday, before reaching the highest warning level on Monday. Levels are then expected to remain high on Tuesday.

The forecast could spell an uncomfortable few days for people with hay fever, whose symptoms can include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy eyes, mouth or throat. Some sufferers can also experience headaches or hives.

Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is caused by an allergy to pollen released by plants during the pollen season, which usually runs from March until November in the UK.

Most people with hay fever are allergic to grass pollen, with the main season lasting from the middle of May until July.

The grass pollen peak across England and Wales normally begins during the first two weeks of June, although its timing and severity can be affected by temperature, rain, wind and sunshine.

A pollen forecast measures the expected risk over the coming days rather than simply reporting how many pollen grains are already in the air.

Grass pollen is considered high when there are between 50 and 150 grains in each cubic metre of air, although people’s sensitivity can vary considerably.

Rain can temporarily reduce the amount of pollen in the air, while dry conditions, gentle breezes and temperatures between 18C and 28C can help grass pollen spread.

Hay fever sufferers are advised to minimise their exposure to pollen where possible and follow NHS advice to help manage their symptoms.