Pollen count levels have peaked on the hottest day of the year so far in multiple regions across the UK.
Britain is enduring its second heatwave of the year with temperatures expected to reach 34C today (June 30) after a sizzling weekend with highs hitting 30C on Sunday.
Experts say that the sweltering weather combined with grass pollen at its “highest levels”.
The South East, East of England, the East Midlands, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber are expected to be the worst-hit regions with ‘very high’ pollen today, while levels across the rest of the UK are mostly ‘high’.
Very high pollen levels for some of us today.
— BBC Weather (@bbcweather) June 29, 2025
More on different types of pollen here: https://t.co/fHdbyLTnal pic.twitter.com/laDd0f3Hp2
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber heat-health alert from midday on Friday, June 27 that lasts until 6pm on Tuesday, July 1 for the East Midlands, South East and East of England.
A less severe, yellow warning is in place Yorkshire and Humber and the West Midlands for the same period.
Now, a leading pharmacist from Well Pharmacy has shared his advice for sufferers facing today’s "perfect storm" of misery.
What is hay fever?
Allergic rhinitis occurs when your nose gets irritated by something you’re allergic to including pollen causing sneezing and other symptoms. For most people it can be treated with medicines from a pharmacist.
Symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes, although it is advised to avoid itching the eye area as this increases the need to be scratched.
George Sandhu, deputy superintendent pharmacist for Well, said: “Today could be the worst day of the year for hay fever sufferers.
“High heat and pollen are the worst of both worlds for sufferers, who should consider limiting their time outside, keeping their windows closed and taking antihistamines.”
“My best advice to sufferers is to start taking your antihistamines right now, even if you have no symptoms yet.
“The earlier you take them, the more your body will be prepared to fight.”
How to lessen hay fever symptoms
Mr Sandhu is also advising the below for hay fever sufferers:
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Monitor the pollen count
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Limit your time outdoors
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Keep windows closed
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Change your clothes regularly
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Wraparound shades
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Consult a pharmacist
Recommended Reading:
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What is thunder fever and how does it affect your hay fever?
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5 drinks that could help hay fever symptoms amid pollen bomb
Mr Sandhu continued: “If suffering from hay fever it is best to consult your local pharmacist and discuss what might be the best course of action.
“Well Pharmacy offers a variety of treatments for hay fever, including nasal sprays, eye drops and oral medication that can be taken daily and are effective in hay fever treatment.”
Around 13 million people in the UK are estimated to suffer from hay fever.
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