What is the 'pollen bomb' headed for the UK?

Hay-fever sufferers have already had a tough few days but, unfortunately, things are about to get a whole lot worse.

Soaring temperatures and the right humidity mean that London is on track to be hit by a ‘pollen bomb’ this week, prompting many to reach for the antihistamine.

According to the Met Office, most of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland will experience “very high” pollen counts for at least the next five days.

“Grass pollen will rise in warm, dry weather. Nettle, dock & plantain too,” the Met Office website reads, highlighting that Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Leptosphaeria spores will be in the air.

Of the 10 million people in England who suffer from hay fever, the majority are allergic to grass pollen, meaning we’re in for a week of sniffly noses.

So what exactly is a pollen bomb? And how can you best manage hay-fever symptoms during this week’s heatwave?

What is a pollen bomb?

A ‘pollen bomb’ is more of an unofficial name for a short period of very high pollen counts.

It has no scientific significance, but it’s quite a good way to describe a large wave of pollen impacting the UK this week.

While it’s not an official term, hay-fever sufferers will undoubtedly tell you they’re feeling the impact of this week’s ‘pollen bomb’.

High temperatures combined with the right amount of humidity have prompted this wave of pollen that will continue up until at least the weekend.

Why is pollen so high this summer?

Pollen is the name used to describe the powdery spores that plants and trees release during the summer as part of their reproductive cycle.

Humans can breathe pollen and, if they’re allergic, it can trigger symptoms like a runny nose and itchy eyes.

Higher pollen counts are a common part of summer and, depending on the types of plants releasing pollen at that time, they can last several months.

However, according to the AAMC, hotter temperatures and global warming may actually be making high pollen counts more frequent.

That’s because warmer temperatures cause plants to blossom earlier, meaning they’re potentially releasing pollen for longer periods of time.

How to combat hay fever

If you suffer from hay fever, remember that you’re not alone. At least one in four Brits has hay fever and some seasonal allergies, and that number is rising.

Unfortunately, stopping pollen altogether is almost impossible, but there are plenty of remedies that can make this summer more bearable.

According to the Met Office, preventative measures like antihistamines can reduce the impact of hay-fever symptoms.

You could also consider using it in combination with corticosteroid nasal sprays, which help reduce the sniffly feelings associated with hay fever.

Keeping windows closed at night (not pleasant during a heatwave) and removing outdoor clothing once you come home can also help cut down the pollen count in your home.

What’s more, avoid very grassy areas, especially in the early mornings and early evenings when the pollen counts are at their highest.