April 23, 2026 - 81 views
Pollen levels across Wales are set to surge in the coming days as dry, settled weather continues, with forecasters warning conditions could become “very high” for hay fever sufferers.
The Met Office says tree pollen will become increasingly prevalent over the weekend, with maps expected to turn red as levels peak. Birch pollen is currently the main cause of irritation, but oak pollen is now rising rapidly as its season gets underway, typically peaking in early to mid-May.
“Very high” pollen levels are forecast across Wales on Saturday, April 25, with levels expected to remain “high” into next week. While a slight dip is possible early in the week, conditions could worsen again as dry weather persists.
The Met Office said: “High birch pollen dominates the forecast, with moderate oak pollen also present but rising rapidly as the season becomes established.
“Very high pollen levels are possible at times, particularly through the middle of the period under dry conditions. Inland valleys and sheltered areas are most affected, while coastal regions may occasionally see lower levels due to onshore winds.”
Around 10 million people across Britain suffer from hay fever, and the weather pattern is expected to play a key role in how severe symptoms become. Warm, dry and breezy conditions allow pollen to spread more easily, while rain can help clear it from the air.
“On humid and windy days, pollen spreads more easily, exacerbating allergies,” a Met Office spokesperson said. “Conversely, rainy days can help clear pollen from the air, providing some relief. Sunny days often have the highest pollen counts in the early evening, which can be particularly challenging.”
The outlook comes as temperatures rise above average for the time of year, with parts of North Wales expected to reach around 20C in the coming days, and some areas potentially seeing highs of 22 or 23C by Sunday.
Forecasters say high pressure is likely to dominate into early May, bringing largely dry, settled conditions – a pattern that could keep pollen levels elevated for longer.
While coastal areas may see occasional relief due to onshore breezes, inland areas and sheltered valleys are expected to bear the brunt of the high pollen counts.
