The Met Office has issued a ‘very high’ pollen count warning for parts of the UK this week as the country is set for another heatwave, which will see temperatures soar to 30C in some areas
UK households are being warned against drying clothes on washing lines from Tuesday as another heatwave hits the nation.
While the balmy summer months may seem perfect for airing your laundry outdoors, it could actually cause more harm than good if you’re unlucky enough to be a hay fever sufferer. Hay fever season begins in late March and lasts until September, with different types of pollen released throughout this period.
Tree pollen is first, followed by grass pollen from mid-May to July, and then weed pollen from the end of June until September. We’re currently in the thick of grass pollen season, which most sufferers are allergic to, and there’s usually a spike in the first two weeks of July. So, if you’ve been feeling worse recently, that’s likely why.
Hay fever symptoms can worsen when the weather is warm, humid and windy – and sadly, that’s exactly what we’re expecting this coming week, reports the Express.
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The Met Office predicts dry and sunny conditions across the UK this week, with temperatures set to climb from today (July 8) as hot weather returns, reaching a scorching 30C in some areas.
The rising temperatures are accompanied by a surge in pollen levels nationwide. According to the Met Office pollen forecast, levels will be “high” across almost the entire UK on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, “very high” alerts have been issued for Yorkshire and Humber, West Midlands, South West England, and Wales.
Since there is no cure for hay fever, experts recommend managing symptoms through preventative measures. One such measure is avoiding drying clothes on an outdoor washing line.
Pollen is sticky and can cling to clothes, hair, and skin when outside. Leaving washing to dry outdoors for several hours allows pollen to attach to it, which is then brought inside, exacerbating symptoms. To minimize symptoms, it’s advised to dry clothes indoors when pollen levels are high.
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Experts at MattressOnline advise against drying clothes on an outside washing line, suggesting a change in washing habits to alleviate hay fever symptoms. They recommend drying clothes and bedsheets in a tumble dryer or hanging them indoors, rather than outside where pollen and dust can accumulate.
The Met Office cautions that both the sun’s UV rays and pollen counts are expected to soar this week – despite predictions of weekend showers – suggesting it’s wise to keep laundry indoors to ease allergy symptoms and avoid bringing pollen into your home.
They noted: “Rain can be bad news for hay fever sufferers. It helps the grass grow well and if it’s followed by dry weather there will be higher levels of pollen.”
In line with that, Fenham Hall Medical Group advises: “Pollen is fine and sticky. Blocking it out when you are outside is the best way to minimise its effect. Sunglasses can help prevent pollen from reaching your eyes, and wearing a hat can stop it from sticking to your hair and getting into your face. When you get home, shower, wash your hair, and change all your clothes.”