Already struggling with itchy eyes, uncontrollable sneezing and a blocked nose? Experts are warning that pollen season may have started earlier than usual this year and, to the dismay of hay fever sufferers across the country, it appears to have arrived weeks ahead of schedule.
According to long-term pollen calendars produced by the University of Worcester, which are based on more than a decade of UK pollen monitoring data, hazel and alder pollen levels are supposed to be relatively low at this stage of the season. But according to the university’s latest forecast, alder pollen could already be reaching moderate to high levels on dry, mild days this week, and hay fever sufferers could already be feeling the effects.
