Hey-fever: pollen warning
HUMBER AND EAST YORKSHIRE SET TO FEEL ‘THUNDERSTORM FEVER’
IF you’ve been wondering why the seasonal sniffles have been particularly bad this week, you’re not alone.
Following heavy rain and storms over the platinum jubilee weekend, pollen levels in Hull have soared causing huge hayfever flare-ups sometimes described as “thunderstorm fever”.
And there’s a scientific reason behind this, too.
Research shows that thunderstorms in the Spring and Summer months can send pollen levels shooting as trees, grass, and weeds are shaken by the wind.
Storms often follow dry periods in which pollen settles on the ground like a layer of dust, while moisture can rupture dry pollen grains.
It comes as pollen levels are predicted to rocket this weekend in Hull. Met Office weather data, which is guided by the National Pollen and Aerobiological Unit, has forecast pollen levels across the Yorkshire and Humber region to rise from “high” to “very high” yesterday and today.
Pollen is a very fine powder released by plants during their reproductive cycles and contains protein particles that can cause irritation to the nose, eyes, throat, and sinuses.
Grass and nettle pollen risks rise “substantially” when good weather occurs, the Met Office said.
For those who often find themselves sniffly around this time of year, June heralds the “second stage” of the hayfever season due to pollen levels in trees over the spring falling and the levels in grass beginning to rise.
Autumn sees pollen levels in weeds rise.
Symptoms of hayfever include sneezing, blocked noses, irritated eyes, and sometimes headache and earache.
The NHS says symptoms are usually worse in children and young people and are known to ease as people get older.
While there is no cure for hayfever, symptoms can be relieved with medicines that contain antihistamines.
POLLEN FORECAST FOR YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER
■ Today - Very High
■ Tomorrow - High
■ Monday, June 13 - High