The Met Office has issued red 'very high' pollen warnings for nine UK areas this week as temperatures are forecast to soar to 36°C during the third heatwave of 2026. The warnings come as hay fever sufferers face severe symptoms due to elevated pollen levels combined with intense heat.
Heatwave Forecast and Duration
According to the Met Office, the hottest weather is expected on Thursday and Friday, with some locations in England potentially reaching 35°C or 36°C. Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree commented: "Many people will understandably want to know how long the current heatwave is likely to last. While temperatures are expected to ease across southeast England through the weekend and into next week, it won't be a straightforward end to the warm weather."
Crabtree added: "High pressure is expected to remain in charge through much of next week, but it will gradually migrate northwards. This means that an easterly wind will become established in the south, and the focus for the hottest conditions will migrate towards the southwest. As a result, some places that have seen the highest temperatures during recent weeks will begin to cool. It will however, remain very warm – especially in the southwest – and heatwave thresholds may continue to be met in places."
Pollen Warnings and Hay Fever Impact
During spring and summer, the Met Office publishes a five-day pollen forecast ranking pollen levels from low to very high. More than 10 million Brits suffer from hay fever, an allergy to airborne pollen particles released by plants, typically worst between March and November. Different pollen types—grass, weed, and tree—can trigger allergic reactions.
The worst pollen levels are expected on Thursday, when nine UK areas are under a red alert, along with five regions on amber high alert. The red 'very high' pollen warnings for Thursday 9 July cover: north east England, north west England, Yorkshire and Humber, West Midlands, East Midlands, Wales, south west England, London and south east England, and East of England.
Outlook for the Weekend and Next Week
On Friday 10 July, red warnings continue for north west England, Yorkshire and Humber, West Midlands, East Midlands, Wales, south west England, and London and south east England. By Saturday 11 July, only north west England, Wales, and south west England remain under red alerts. On Sunday 12 July and Monday 13 July, only Wales retains a red 'very high' pollen warning.
Crabtree noted: "The overall signal is for continued fine, dry and very warm weather at times for many parts of the UK into next week. There is however a chance of thunderstorms spreading into parts of the south and southwest."
