A “pollen bomb” is striking parts of the UK – bringing fresh misery for hayfever sufferers – with forecasts suggesting there could be a heatwave next week.

The Met Office has warned the pollen count will be very high in England for the next five days, extending to Wales and Northern Ireland from Saturday onwards.

By Monday, all but the northernmost parts of Scotland will be affected.

Tomorrow is “Hay Day”, which is traditionally one of the worst days of the year for hayfever.

Asthma + Lung UK is urging people with respiratory conditions to take precautions in the week ahead.

The charity’s research suggests pollen is a trigger for 47% of people with asthma, and 27% of those who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also known as COPD).

This can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing, a tight chest and breathlessness to flare up.

Erika Radford, the organisation’s head of health advice, told Sky News: “When pollen particles are breathed in, they can cause inflammation in the airways and get into the lungs, making it harder for those with lung conditions to breathe. This can be terrifying.”

Asthma sufferers have been urged to use their preventer inhaler every day as prescribed, and keep a reliever inhaler nearby at all times – even when at home.

Britons who suffer from hayfever can take antihistamines, ask their GP to prescribe a steroid nasal spray, and avoid going outside as much as possible on high pollen days.

Read more from Sky News:
Popular sunscreens fail safety test
British tourist stabbed to death in Spain
Football legend robbed at gunpoint

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Other top tips for beating the pollen include:

• Not hanging your washing outdoors

• Having a shower when you’ve been outside

• Keeping windows and doors closed

• Vacuuming and wiping down surfaces regularly

• Taking antihistamines four weeks before symptoms start.

Eating apples and red onions has also been touted as a way of lowering histamine levels.

Heatwave on the horizon

Meanwhile, the Met Office is forecasting higher temperatures as we head into next week – with 30C (86F) possible in isolated spots.

While Friday and Saturday are looking less settled, fine conditions are set to return on Sunday, and temperatures could be in the mid-20s for many in the days that follow.

Check the five-day weather forecast where you are

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said: “Some central and southern areas are likely to see temperatures approaching the values needed for heatwave conditions.

“Heatwave conditions need to remain in situ for three consecutive days, and by the middle of next week it is possible that some parts of the UK could be reaching heatwave thresholds.”

He anticipates “the finest conditions and highest temperatures so far this year” – but lower overnight temperatures are set to offer some respite for those who struggle with the heat.

Related posts:

UK COVID cases fall for fifth day in a row as country records 29,173 new infections British news organisations urge government to give refuge to Afghan journalists as Taliban violence grows Behind her pop hellraiser image, there was always much more to Sarah Harding Chocolate tubs ranked: The best value for money – and which one has the most of your favourite choccie? First pet-friendly oxygen mask used to rescue cat from house fire ‘I am well-placed to deliver Tory victory in 2024’: Why Johnson dropped out – in his own words Rachel Johnson reacts to Boris pulling out of race: ‘I feel sad for him’ Military may be called on to drive ambulances and staff hospitals if strikes snowball Power blackout prevention scheme could be used for first time tomorrow evening Hancock aide called Cummings a ‘psychopath’, leaked messages show Women could be given testosterone patch in menopause world-first Pregnant women and new mothers may get reduced sentences under new court rules