First Met Office pollen forecast of 2026 shows one region ’very high’ | UK | News
Met Office launches UK pollen forecast for 2026; one region is already experiencing “very high” levels. Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and the Borders in Scotland were found to be experiencing very high levels of alder pollen on Thursday. High levels were also predicted across the Grampian; Strathclyde; Central, Tayside and Fife; and the north west and north east of England.
Moderate levels of alder pollen were predicted in Yorkshire and the Humber, while low levels were seen in all other parts of the country. According to the Met Office, there are around 30 different types of pollen that can cause hay fever. Tree pollen usually occurs earlier in the season than grass pollen and affects about one in four people.
NHS GP and Olbas spokesperson Dr. Roger Henderson recently told the Express that this year’s hay fever season “may start earlier and last longer than people expect”.
He added that although severity cannot be predicted with precision, “the general trend is towards earlier and potentially longer seasons rather than shorter, sharper ones.”
The Met Office forecast on Thursday predicted pollen levels would fall over the weekend, with counts taking place in most of the country by Monday.
Around 13 million people in the UK are thought to suffer from hay fever.
Claire Nevinson, chief pharmacist at Boots, said symptoms could vary from person to person but usually affected the eyes, nose and throat.
He added: “Exposure to pollen is what causes hay fever symptoms, so one of the best things to do is limit exposure to pollen.
“When you’re inside, you can do this by keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible. You should also try showering and changing your clothes when you’re outside to remove pollen.
“If you’re planning to go out, make sure you follow the Met Office to monitor pollen counts.
“If the pollen count is high and you are also exposed to pollen, antihistamines may be an effective form of allergy medication that can help manage the effects.”
