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Exact date Scotland to be hit with ‘worst day of the year for hay fever'
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HAY FEVER sufferers have been warned that Scotland is set to be hit with the 'worst day of the year' for pollen count in the coming days.
Scots are set to bask in scorching 28C temperatures this week as a plume of air from Africa sweeps across the country.
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Scots have been warned that the 'worst day of the year for hay fever' will hit this week
Credit: Getty
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Most of the country will experience 'very high' levels in days
Credit: MET OFFICE
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It comes as temperatures are set to soar as a plume of air from Africa sweeps across Scotland
Credit: Andrew Barr
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And weather maps show that some areas could see highs of 28C
Weather maps from WXCharts show that the mercury could climb to its highest levels since summer 2023 as the warmest spell of 2025 heads our way.
It comes as air makes its way from North Africa and drifts northwards later this week.
The mercury is expected to reach the low to mid-20s by Friday across the country, and STV weatherman Sean revealed that highs of 28C "aren't out of the question".
But the warmer weather will also mean that the pollen count will soar at the tail end of this week, leading up to the warmer days.
The higher temperatures allow birch trees to offload pollen into the air - which will keep people sneezing for several days.
Birch is the main pollen type across Scotland, with ash too in the southern and central regions.
With warm, dry sunny weather returning for much of Scotland, this is not good news for hay fever sufferers
Max Wiseberg
Many hay fever sufferers start to experience symptoms when the count reaches 'medium'.
Pollen levels have remained 'medium' in all regions across Scotland over recent weeks.
But Friday will see 'high' and 'very high' levels across almost the whole country
In fact, it is expected to be so severe that experts have said it is "forecast to be the worst day of the year so far for pollen levels in Scotland".
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Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and the Borders had moderate to high levels at the beginning of the week, but this will shoot up to 'very high' levels on Friday and Saturday.
Central, Tayside and Fife will follow the same pattern, as well as the Grampian areas.
Strathclyde areas and locations in the Highlands will see levels rise from 'moderate' today and tomorrow to 'high' on Friday and Saturday.
The only places that will still remain at a 'moderate' level are the Orkney and Shetland Islands.
Allergens expert Max Wiseberg says: 'With warm, dry sunny weather returning for much of Scotland, this is not good news for hay fever sufferers as pollen counts are rising across the country.
"Friday is forecast to be the worst day of the year so far for pollen levels in Scotland, with the first very high counts of the year across southern, central and north east Scotland
"As a general guide, the pollen count tends to be lower on rainy days and higher when it's hot and sunny. June and July are peak hay fever season when grass pollen is at its highest.
Friday is forecast to be the worst day of the year so far for pollen levels in Scotland, with the first very high counts of the year across southern, central and north east Scotland
Max Wiseberg
"Hay fever is a result of our immune system's overreaction to innocuous allergens such as pollen. The body's reaction to pollen is to produce histamines.
"Normal amounts of histamines in your brain are good – they keep you alert, attentive and awake.
"But, when there are too many in your body, they produce the various symptoms common to hay fever sufferers including sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, watery eyes, streaming eyes, swollen eyes, itchy nose and throat.'
It's estimated that half the British population suffer from hay fever symptoms, according to Allergy UK.
Many are plagued by symptoms of hay fever every summer - from itchy eyes, a constant runny nose, and headaches to irritating sneezes and a sore throat.
But for people with respiratory conditions, like asthma, high pollen levels can be fatal.
Asthma + Lung UK's research suggests pollen is a trigger for 47 per cent of people with asthma and 27 per cent 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.
Max, who is also the creator of HayMax allergen barrier balms, has advised hay fever sufferers what measures and precautions to take to help reduce the effects of the pollen.
He explained: "As with all allergies, avoidance is key. If you are allergic to wheat, you avoid wheat, and it's the same with grass pollen. Only it's a bit trickier as pollen is in the air we breathe.
"So begin with an organic allergen barrier balm to help stop pollen getting in your body. If less gets in, there's less for your body to deal with and less for it to react to.
"Organic allergen barrier balms, such as HayMax which has been proven to trap over one third of pollen, are applied around the nostrils and bones of the eyes to trap pollen.
'Next, you can reduce the amount of pollen in and around your home. Keep windows and doors closed to keep pollen out.
"Take off your shoes when you return home so you don't tread pollen around. Washing your face, or better still, taking a shower and changing your clothes, on returning home, will get rid of pollen from your body and the clothes you are wearing.
'Ensure that you vacuum floors and carpets regularly, as well as fabrics and upholstery such as curtains and sofas.
"And damp dust surfaces – damp dusting helps stop pollen being dispersed back into the air. If you have a pet, make sure you keep it clean and well-groomed to remove the pollen that collects in its fur when it's outdoors."
He added: 'Wearing wraparound sunglasses when outdoors will help stop pollen getting in your eyes and a hat, cap or other head covering will help prevent it getting trapped in your hair.
'And of course there are many remedies, treatments and natural products available that help deal with the symptoms once they occur.
"Antihistamine tablets work by counteracting the affects of the histamines. Some are available over the counter from pharmacies, whilst others are available only on prescription.
"Natural antihistamines are also available, such as quercetin and butterbur. Antihistamine nasal sprays can quickly ease itching, sneezing and watering but are generally only proof against mild symptoms.
"Steroid nasal sprays and drops reduce inflammation in the nose; they work best for clearing nasal symptoms – itching, sneezing, watering and congestion – and sprays sometimes clear eye symptoms too. Eye drops may help reduce itchy, watering, swollen eyes.
'And if one product doesn't work try combining treatments – in other words create your own 'Hay Fever First Aid Kit'.
"My recommendation is an organic allergen barrier balm, one (and only one) antihistamine, one (and only one) steroid nasal spray, eye drops and one or more natural remedies.'
