Pollen levels over the next five days will remain low across much of the UK
However, there are some regional differences, with parts of southern and eastern England seeing a greater risk of moderate or high pollen levels at times due to weed pollen.
Across Scotland, pollen levels are expected to stay low from Thursday through to Monday. This includes Orkney and Shetland, the Highlands and Eilean Siar, Grampian, Central, Tayside and Fife, Strathclyde, and Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders, where all pollen species are currently low and are forecast to remain low throughout the period.
A similar picture is expected for much of northern England, with low pollen levels forecast across Northeast England and Yorkshire and Humber through the next five days. Northern Ireland will also start low, although levels are expected to rise to moderate on Sunday and Monday.
Further south, there is more variation. Northwest England, the East Midlands and Wales are forecast to remain mostly low, but with a moderate risk on Sunday. The West Midlands is expected to see moderate levels on Friday and again on Sunday.
The highest pollen risk is expected in London and Southeast England, where moderate weed pollen is currently being recorded. Levels are forecast to become high through the weekend to Monday. Southwest England will also see pollen levels rise, with moderate levels on Friday and Saturday, then high levels on Sunday and Monday.
The pollen forecast is updated each day here.
READ MORE: How does weather affect pollen and can pets get hay fever?
Is pollen worse this year?
The Met Office has no data to support the claim that pollen is ‘worse’ this year. Pollen levels can vary significantly depending on the timing of weather patterns and the types of pollen in season. Some years may feel more severe for individuals due to a combination of high pollen counts and exposure to multiple pollen types at once. The grass and weed seasons started earlier and stronger than we would usually see due to the warm weather experienced during the late May bank holiday weekend, so this may be impacting some people’s perception of the season.
Grass pollen is the main cause of hay fever at this time of year and typically peaks in June, with levels currently high or even very high across parts of the country. Weed pollen is also present at lower levels than grass.
Recent warm, dry conditions with light winds are ideal for pollen to be released and carried through the air, while a lack of rainfall means it isn’t being washed away, which can make symptoms feel particularly severe. Spells of rainfall with sunshine in the last few weeks have provided the ideal growing conditions for grass and weeds.
For most hay fever sufferers, the worst conditions are warm, dry and breezy days. These allow pollen to be released easily and spread efficiently through the atmosphere. Calm, dry days can also lead to high levels locally, as pollen accumulates near the source.
By contrast, cooler conditions, higher humidity and rainfall tend to reduce airborne pollen, at least temporarily.
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 above 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.
