A 'pollen bomb' warning has been issued to hay fever sufferers across Britain as levels nationwide are expected to soar to coincide with next week's impending heatwave.
The Met Office has predicted 'very high' pollen counts across most of England and Wales from Sunday, which will continue into next week's heatwave when temperatures are set to climb to a sweltering 35C.
Pollen levels in London, southern England, the West Midlands, East Midlands, the North West and Wales will remain at the highest level from Sunday to Thursday, while a 'high' warning is in place for Yorkshire and the North East for most of next week.
In Britain, one in four adults and one in eight children suffer from hay fever - also known as allergic rhinitis - according to Allergy UK, with the symptoms often worsening during the summer months.
On Sunday, NHS England confirmed visits to their website for hay fever advice has doubled amid the rising temperatures, citing sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, as well as red, itchy, or watery eyes as among the most common symptoms.
The service said they recorded 12,990 visits to their NHS hay fever page from June 14 to 17 - when temperatures began to escalate - compared to 5,632 visits the previous week, totalling a rise of 131 per cent.
Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said the warm weather can increase pollen levels that might cause 'discomfort for hay fever sufferers'.
Mr Burton said: 'Most people will be able to manage their symptoms with medication that is available off the shelf from community pharmacies and supermarkets, and the NHS website has more advice on how to deal with the discomfort.'
A 'pollen bomb' warning has been issued to hay fever sufferers across Britain, as the hot weather is set to escalate into next week (Pictured: Crowds in Richmond, London, amid the heatwave)
The increasing pollen levels come as two Amber weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office for Monday and Tuesday covering parts of England and Wales
Pollen levels in London, southern England, the West Midlands, East Midlands, the North West and Wales will remain at the highest level from Sunday to Thursday
He warned: 'People should be careful not to double dose on medication which might make them drowsy particularly if planning to drive.'
As the temperatures rise, many hay fever sufferers have taken to social media to document their uncomfortable symptoms.
One TikTok user said: 'I don't think people realise how much hay fever actually ruins your quality of life in the summer.
'My eyes are squinted, tissue in hand, my nose won't stop running - I've gone through about two packs of tissues today already and it's not even lunchtime.
'I am just fed up, to be honest.'
The video - which was posted last week - was met with similar comments. One user said 'It's awful,' while another added: 'I was literally bedridden all weekend & couldn't breathe it was sooo bad.'
The increasing pollen levels come as two Amber weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office for Monday and Tuesday covering parts of England and Wales, including London, Brighton, Cardiff, Nottingham and Norwich.
Temperatures will reach highs of 35C on Tuesday, however, it is expected that June's highest ever recorded temperature - a blistering 35.6C in Southampton in 1976 - will be broken as the days go on.
Amid the rising temperatures, the Met Office recommends 'to plan ahead and take a few simple precautions' on days that pollen levels are predicted to be particularly high
People sit in the shade during a hot day four of Royal Ascot at the Berkshire racecourse on Friday
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for extreme heat for Monday and Tuesday
On Saturday, the Met Office's Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates warned that the scorching heat will bring high humidity and 'tropical nights' in parts of the country across next week.
He said: 'Temperatures are forecast to reach 32°C on Monday, climbing further to 35°C on Tuesday and Wednesday.
'By Thursday temperatures are currently forecast to drop slightly, with a peak of 34°C more confined to the southeast of England.
'Importantly high humidity will also mean this feels close, warmer and more uncomfortable for many.
'Tropical nights, where the temperature doesn't drop below 20°C are also likely for some, especially in urban areas.'
Amid the rising temperatures, the Met Office has recommended that hay fever sufferers 'plan ahead and take a few simple precautions' on days that pollen levels are predicted to be particularly high.
The agency advices hay fever sufferers to treat early symptoms using antihistamines to prevent a full flare-up, and to use corticosteroid nasal sprays to help itchy red eyes, a runny nose, swollen sinuses and sneezing.
It also suggests taking practical steps to minimise exposure, such as removing outdoor clothing and shower or wash your hair after high pollen exposure, keeping windows shut at night and avoiding keeping flowers in your home.
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