Pollen levels are expected to remain low across all UK regions over the next five days, offering welcome relief for many people affected by seasonal allergies.
Recent weather conditions have played a key role in keeping counts suppressed. Cooler temperatures have limited plant growth and delayed the release of pollen, while spells of rain have helped wash pollen out of the air, reducing the amount available to circulate. Higher humidity and occasional breezier conditions have also prevented pollen from building up locally.
Weather has a strong influence on every stage of the pollen cycle, from production and release to dispersal. Warm, dry and sunny conditions typically encourage plants to release pollen easily, leading to higher counts, whereas cooler, wetter weather tends to hold pollen back. Overnight chillier temperatures and increased moisture in the air can also cause pollen grains to settle closer to the ground rather than remain airborne.
We are still in the oak pollen season, but with levels generally lower than last year, these are not reaching Moderate levels, while grass is starting to emerge with some early season grass pollen being released.
The pollen forecast is updated each day here.
READ MORE: How does weather affect pollen and can pets get hay fever?
What are the different types of pollen?
If you're a hay fever sufferer, it helps to understand which type of pollen affects you and when it's likely to be in the air. The UK pollen season typically follows the below pattern, but the seasons can start earlier or run later depending on where you live in the UK and what the weather's doing.
How do I access the Met Office Pollen forecast?
You can access our pollen forecast on the Met Office website or download our app to get pollen alerts sent straight to your phone.
You can also keep up to date with weather warnings, and find the latest weather forecast on our website, on YouTube, by following us on X and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.
