Residents in Swindon should prepare for a spike in hay fever symptoms this week, as the Met Office has forecast that pollen levels will rise to very high starting Monday 6 April 2026. This increase coincides with a period of warmer spring weather, with temperatures expected to reach between 14°C and 20°C across the town from Monday through Wednesday.
The current conditions mark the peak of the tree pollen season, which typically lasts from late March to mid-May. During this time, pollen from birch, plane, ash, and oak trees is at its highest levels of release. This type of pollen affects approximately 25% of the 13 million people in the UK who experience hay fever.
The forecasted warm, dry, and breezy weather creates ideal conditions for pollen to spread through the air. While these temperatures are suitable for outdoor activities, residents sensitive to allergens may find the coming days challenging. Experts note that rain can help by washing pollen from the air, but the expected dry spell will likely keep concentrations high.
According to the national charity Allergy UK, it is important to manage symptoms effectively. If left untreated, hay fever can lead to the development of asthma or cause existing asthma conditions to worsen. While tree pollen is the primary concern this month, grass pollen, which impacts the majority of hay fever sufferers, is not expected to reach its peak until the season begins in mid-May.
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