Residents in Colchester can enjoy a stretch of warm, sunny weather to end the week before conditions turn unsettled with the arrival of rain on Sunday. According to the Met Office, temperatures will climb to 22°C by Friday, 1 May, providing a brief period of heat before the weather shifts.
Thursday, 30 April, is expected to remain sunny with a high of 18°C, though brisk easterly winds with gusts up to 31mph may make it feel closer to 13°C. By Friday, the winds are expected to ease to 21mph, making for a warmer, more pleasant afternoon. However, residents who suffer from hay fever should remain cautious, as pollen levels are forecast to remain high through Saturday.
The 2026 hay fever season has been particularly challenging, beginning weeks ahead of schedule after a warm February triggered an early and intense release of tree pollen. With an estimated 16 million sufferers across the UK, those sensitive to allergens should prepare for high counts to persist until the weekend.
Change is on the horizon for Sunday, 3 May, when there is a 60 per cent chance of light rain arriving by 6am. The rain is expected to clear the air, bringing pollen levels down to low, and the day will remain mostly cloudy with highs of 18°C. Anyone heading out on Sunday morning is advised to carry an umbrella as the dry, sunny spell comes to an end.
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