The North West of England, including Greater Manchester, has been placed under a red 'very high' Met Office pollen alert for the coming days. The warning, the most severe issued by the weather service, affects eight UK areas as pollen levels surge.
Understanding the Pollen Alert System
During spring and summer, the Met Office releases a five-day pollen forecast ranking levels from low to very high. This helps hay fever sufferers anticipate when symptoms may worsen. Over 10 million Brits experience hay fever, an allergy to airborne pollen from plants, typically peaking between March and November. Pollen types include grass, weed, and tree varieties, with individuals allergic to specific kinds.
When the Alerts Take Effect
According to the Met Office forecast, pollen levels will build over the coming days. On Thursday, June 11, no alerts are in force. Friday, June 12, sees five amber 'high' alerts across north west England, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, and London and South East England.
Saturday, June 13, shifts high alerts to five different regions: West Midlands, East Midlands, Wales, East of England, London and South East England, and south west England.
The first red 'very high' alerts arrive on Sunday, June 14, affecting London and South East England, South West England, Wales, and the West Midlands.
Monday, June 15, expands the red alerts to include north west England, Yorkshire and Humber, East Midlands, and East of England.
Detailed Breakdown by Day
- Thursday, June 11: No alerts
- Friday, June 12: Amber 'high' alerts for north west England, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England; yellow 'medium' alerts for north east England, Yorkshire and Humber, Northern Ireland, Wales, south west England
- Saturday, June 13: Amber 'high' alerts for West Midlands, East Midlands, Wales, East of England, London and South East England, south west England; yellow 'medium' alerts for Northern Ireland, Yorkshire and Humber, north west England, north east England
- Sunday, June 14: Red 'very high' alerts for London and South East England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands; amber 'high' alerts for Northern Ireland, north west England, north east England, Yorkshire and Humber, East Midlands, East of England; yellow 'medium' alerts for Central, Tayside & Fife, Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian & Borders
- Monday, June 15: Red 'very high' alerts for London and South East England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands, north west England, Yorkshire and Humber, East Midlands, East of England; amber 'high' alerts for Northern Ireland, Strathclyde, north east England; yellow 'medium' alerts for Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian & Borders
