HAY fever sufferers have been warned a temperature surge could trigger a “pollen bomb” during the half-term holidays.
It comes just a week after ten inches of snow blanketed Britain as temperatures plunged to -23C – the coldest night in 65 years.
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Hay fever sufferers have been warned an increase in temperatures could trigger a ‘pollen bomb’Credit: Getty – Contributor
It comes just days after snow blanketed many parts of the countryCredit: PA:Press Association
Now, temperatures could hit up to 17C by Saturday, which could cause a “mini pollen bomb” due to the switch from extreme cold to warmer weather.
Temperatures have already begun creeping up thanks to a blast from the Atlantic, sparking flood warnings over torrential rain and melting snow.
Milder conditions are expected to last until the weekend, pushing temperatures into double figures during the day,
The sudden change to spring-like temperatures could see clouds of allergens released into the air.
Airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg said: “If we get weather that’s warmer than normal for the time of year this could create a mini pollen bomb with flurries of alder, hazel, elm and willow pollen exploding into the air.
“This would make a very early start to the hay fever season, so sufferers should ensure they’re adequately prepared,” he told the Telegraph.
Temperatures soared to 13C in the South this afternoon – and could rise to 17C by the weekend.
Chief Meteorologist Neil Armstrong of the Met Office said: “For the past week the UK has been in a very cold airmass with temperatures well below average.
“This will change through the weekend as milder air moves in from the Atlantic and pushes that cold airmass out into the North Sea.
“From Monday the whole UK will be in the warmer air mass, with daytime temperatures reaching 12-13C in the south, replacing days which never got above freezing the week before.”
On Wednesday night last week, the UK’s coldest temperature for 65 years was recorded in Aberdeenshire when locals endured -23C.
The River Thames froze over for the first time in 60 years as the Beast from the East 2 blasted Britain.
