Pollen forecast

We produce and supply the pollen forecasts for the UK in conjunction with the Met Office.

Summary and Weekly Synopsis

Changeable weather will keep the tree pollen risk fluctuating between low to moderate. Oak tree, Plane tree and low amounts of birch tree pollen will be the main allergens airborne this week.

This forecast is updated every Friday. Last update: 18th May 2012.

Tree - Low

The tree pollen season is now fading out in all parts of the UK.

 

 

Grasses - Moderate

Grass pollen affects about 95% of hay fever sufferers and the season usually lasts from May to August. Most areas will have a low risk but the southern regions will have the occasional moderate risk on warm, dry sunny days.

 

Weeds - Low

The main weed pollen types are plantain, nettle, dock and mugwort and the season usually runs throughout the spring and summer with varying intensity. At the moment, plantain is flowering in low concentrations.

 

Fungal Spores - Low

Although allergenic fungal spores can be airborne all year round, they are generally at low levels during the Spring and are less likely to trigger symptoms.

 

Other Information  

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is currently in peak season, however only low quantities will be airborne. The pollen from this plant can cause hay fever in a small number of sufferers but Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) given off by the crop can cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes in some people in close proximity to the crop.

Download the latest Weekly Pollen Count Synopsis [Word]
Download the latest Weekly Pollen Count Synopsis [PDF]

Key

Low

 Moderate

High

Very High 

 

Further Information

Further information on this service can be obtained from Beverley Adams-Groom on 01905 855411.

Forecasts are available on a regional basis to cover the whole of the UK including Northern Ireland. They can also be provided in detail for individual regions.

Daily forecasts are issued from the middle of March to the end of September. Tree pollen forecasts are issued in late spring (late March to Mid May). Grass pollen forecasts are issued from late May to August. Weed pollen forecasts are issued from July to the end of May. Fungal spore forecasts are also available on a daily basis from September to the end of November.

Daily forecasts are featured in newspapers, on radio, on television and various web pages.

All the forecasts are based on information from the quality controlled data produced by the National Pollen Monitoring Network, combined with the information from weather forecasts, local vegetation and typography types and information about biological factors and the weather in the preseason period that influences the amount of pollen produced.