The Met Office has launched its UK pollen forecast for 2026, with one region already facing “very high” levels. Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders in Scotland was found to be facing very high levels of alder pollen on Thursday. High levels were also predicted across Grampian; Strathclyde; Central, Tayside and Fife; and the north west and north east of England.
Moderate levels of alder pollen were forecast in Yorkshire and Humber, with levels low in all other parts of the country. There are around 30 different types of pollen that can cause hay fever, according to the Met Office. The tree pollen season typically hits earlier than grass pollen and affects around around one in four people.
Dr Roger Henderson, an NHS GP and Olbas spokesperson, recently told the Express this year’s hay fever season might “start early and last longer than people might expect”.
He added that although the exact severity could not be predicted, “the broader trend is towards earlier and potentially more prolonged seasons rather than shorter, sharper ones”.
The Met Office forecast on Thursday predicted that pollen levels would fall over the weekend, with most of the country experiencing counts by Monday.
Around 13 million people are thought to suffer from hay fever in the UK.
Claire Nevinson, superintendent pharmacist at Boots, said symptoms can differ for each person but commonly affect the eyes, nose and throat.
She added: “Exposure to pollen is what causes hayfever symptoms, so one of the best things to do is to limit your exposure.
“When indoors, you can do this by keeping windows and doors shut as much as possible. You should also try showering and changing your clothes when you’ve been outdoors to rinse away the pollen.
“If you are planning to venture outdoors be sure to monitor the Met Office to monitor the pollen count.
“If the pollen count is high and you are also exposed to pollen, antihistamines can be an effective form of allergy medication that can help to manage the effects.”
