The recent unsettled weather has kept pollen levels much lower than normal for the time of year. However, this week the weather is expected to be drier, brighter and a little more settled than recent weeks and as a result we expect to see a rise in the amount of pollen. 

Pollen levels, which are mostly from grass pollen at this time of year, could reach high or even very high in central and some southern areas. 

People with hay fever should keep up to date with the pollen forecast this week, which is available on the Met office website and is sponsored by Benadryl®. The pollen forecast uses our latest weather forecast information and combines this with pollen readings from across the UK. 

There are millions of hay fever sufferers across the UK, and the Met Office forecasts provide vital information to help reduce the impact pollen has on their health. 

Health Manager at the Met Office, Patrick Sachon said: ”Following the rain we saw in April and the rain over the last few weeks, grass has grown well, more than last year, when it was much drier. This is therefore expected to cause higher levels of grass pollen than last year. ”The Met Office forecast for the next couple of days is for the UK to be drier and a little more settled that of late in most areas. Occasional showers are likely but with plenty of bright or sunny spells and temperatures in the high teens or low twenties in some parts. This will lead to much higher pollen counts than in recent weeks. This means that those who suffer from hay fever will need to keep an eye the pollen count over the next few days.”

The pollen forecast is part of the wide range of weather-related services offered by the Met Office, which also include the UV index and Heat Health watch.

Find out more about the Met Office pollen forecast.