Households across the UK are being urged to keep their windows and doors shut as much as possible, particularly between 10am and 3pm. The advice comes now that hay fever season is in full swing in the UK, running from late March until September.
Tree pollen is the first to be released from late March to mid–May, followed by grass pollen until July and then weed pollen from around late June to September. The seasons can vary depending on where you live in the UK, with the north of the country generally having less pollen than in the south. Grass pollen is the most common allergen and affects the majority of hay fever sufferers. It has two distinct peaks occurring in June and early July, so if you’ve noticed your symptoms getting worse recently, this is probably why.
The UK experienced its warmest meteorological spring and May in 2024 since records began in 1884, and this combined with even warmer temperatures at the end of last June has provided “ideal” conditions for pollen production.
Hay fever symptoms, which include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes and headaches, are typically worse between late March and September, especially if the weather is warm, humid and windy.
The Met Office is forecasting more hot weather for this week, with temperatures expected to heat up from Wednesday, June 18 until a scorching peak of 30C on Saturday, and this coincides with high pollen levels, with “very high” levels forecast in much of England on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, dropping to just ‘high’ on Sunday.
As there is no cure for hay fever, experts recommend taking preventative measures to minimise symptoms and say windows and doors should be kept shut when pollen levels are high, as this prevents pollen particles from blowing into your home and clinging to your furnishings, which can then make symptoms worse.
While NHS advice recommends keeping windows and doors shut “as much as possible” if you are keen to let a bit of fresh air into your home during the warmer weather, then you should try to limit this to certain hours of the day.
Glen Peskett, DIY expert at Saxton Blades, says it’s important for sufferers to allergy-proof their home and urges households to shut windows and doors between the hours of 10am and 3pm – particularly if it’s windy – as this is when the pollen count is usually at its highest, so you’ll be maximising your exposure during these hours.
He said: “It’s important to get fresh air, and when the weather begins to improve, it’s even more tempting to open your home up to the warmer elements.
“However, during peak pollen times – usually between 10 am and 3 pm, and on windy days – it’s extremely beneficial to keep your windows and doors shut. This is especially important in bedrooms, where you want to breathe easy at night.”
