UK weather forecast: Urgent hay-fever warning issued as Britain set for 'pollen explosion'

Spring warmth after the wettest March for 40 years will trigger ‘millions of trees’ to spew plumes of allergens.

‘High’ Met Office pollen counts across southern Britain today will rise to ‘Very High’ on Saturday and Sunday.

Airbourne allergens expert Max Wiseberg said: “This weekend could bring an Easter pollen explosion, which is bad news for those suffering from hay fever.

“We’ve had the first high pollen counts this week, and after a couple of days of rain and cloud millions of trees will be triggered into releasing pollen over the holiday weekend.”

The University of Worcester’s pollen forecast, produced with the National Pollen Monitoring Network, predicts mostly ash and birch pollen to rise through the coming days.

Mr Wiseberg, creator of HayMax allergen barrier balms said: “There are two main types of pollen which affect hay fever sufferers– grass pollen and tree pollen.

“Tree pollen is around now and peaks until May, and in April it tends to be elm, willow, birch, ash, plane and oak.

“In May birch, plane and oak are still in peak season.”

It comes as Britain gears up for Easter sunshine with three days of ‘pleasant’ weather promised over the next few days.

The mercury could nudge 20C in the sun, forecasters say, although clouds and rain will dampen spirits on Monday.

Jim Dale, a meteorologist for British Weather Services, said: “If you are planning to head out this Easter, it would be best to avoid Monday.

“Otherwise, we are looking at three days of very pleasant weather, with temperatures in the shade hitting 17C at times.

“It will be warmer in the sunshine, but we are not looking at anything spectacular and there will be some chilly mornings.”

Bookmakers Ladbrokes have slashed the odds to 5-2 on the hottest Easter Sunday on record.

Spokesman Alex Apati said: "Things are finally looking up on the weather front, and this Easter could well be a record-breaking scorcher as a result, if the latest odds are anything to go by."

Bookmakers Ladbrokes have slashed the odds to 5-2 on the hottest Easter Sunday on record.

Spokesman Alex Apati said: "Things are finally looking up on the weather front, and this Easter could well be a record-breaking scorcher as a result, if the latest odds are anything to go by."

Britons can try a host of remedies to stave off streaming noses and runny eyes this weekend.

Experts say nasal barriers, sunglasses and herbal teas can all help to keep the effects of pollen at bay.

Mr Wiseberg said: “Hay fever is our immune system’s overreaction to innocuous particles such as pollen, and the body reacts by producing histamines.

“Aloe Vera has mild antihistamine properties whilst ginger and green tea also work as natural antihistamines.

“Wearing wraparound sunglasses when outdoors will also help to prevent pollen particles from contacting the eyes, and tying up long hair and wearing a hat, cap or other head covers when outside will prevent pollen particles from being caught in your hair.

“Wash your face as soon as you get indoors to wash away allergens so that they can’t cause a reaction and you should shower at night before sleeping to remove pollen particles from your hair and body.”