Weather map turns red with warnings issued for Wales as 'worrying' trend emerges

Hayfever sufferers in Wales are having to brace for itchy eyes and runny noses in the coming days. Allied to a potentially record-breaking spell of warm weather are forecasts for 'very high' pollen levels.
Red warnings for pollen have been issued by the Met Office for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (April 29 to May 1), with amber 'high' alerts for Friday and Saturday (May 2-3).
The forecaster expects significant levels of airborne oak pollen in Wales. Some Plane pollen is also circulating, though these trees are mostly concentrated in southern England. Both are common cause of allergic reactions, the latter especially in urban areas. In sensitive individuals, they can exacerbate asthma.
With peak hayfever season fast approaching, searches for 'pollen count' have hit an average of 33,000-a-month. This is expected to rise significantly once grass pollen becomes established as this affects an estimated 95% of Britain's 10m-plus hayfever sufferers.
Recent research suggests hayfever seasons are getting longer in Britain, with climate change increasing the number of days each year when conditions are ripe for the allergy. Temperature plays an important role in pollen release, with trees shedding pollen between 13C-15C and grass between 18C-28C, according to the Met Office.
The theory is that warmer temperatures caused by climate change are leading to longer growing seasons for pollen-producing plants. The result is extended periods of allergy symptoms for sufferers. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
Analysis supports this, showing that Britain saw a steadily increasing number of pollen-producing days between 1994 and 2024, with southern areas worst affected. The research was carried out by Round Our Way, a not-for-profit climate change company in the UK.
The organisation found that, since 1994, Wales has seen the annual pollen season lengthen by average of 19 days, the same as in Scotland. In England and northern Ireland, the figure was 20 days.
Sofie Jenkinson, co-director of Round Our Way, said: 'Hayfever is becoming an almost year-round problem for sufferers in the UK. Longer hay fever seasons are just one of the health impacts Brits are facing as temperatures in the UK rise.
'As we all see around us, climate change is making Britain warmer and a lot wetter. We urgently need politicians to make sure we are better prepared for the worrying new weather we're facing and to tackle the pollution that is causing it.'
Some research has shown that air pollution may make pollen grains more potent and so more likely to trigger an allergic reaction. Increased carbon dioxide levels may also enhance pollen production, making hayfever more severe.
Pharmacist, Vikki Furneaux, 44, from York, believes the hayfever season is 'definitely longer and also more erratic'. She said: 'When I graduated, people took medication for around a two-month period but now they are less sure when the season is.
'Sufferers are also coming up against some of the cold and flu season and some of the symptoms are similar to hayfever, so it's more difficult to get on top of things. Some people are coming in with symptoms they didn't realise were hayfever.'
For the three days until temperatures peak on Thursday (May 1), pollen levels are also expected to be 'very high' in the south and middle of England, and 'high' in northern England. Only in northern Scotland is relief possible, with levels mostly rated as 'low' this week.
Counter-intuitively, a heatwave may help sufferers. The Met Office notes that pollen levels decrease if temperatures rise above 28C. If several warm days occur in a row, pollen supplies can run out altogether.
UK temperatures are indeed forecast to exceed 28C this week, though probably not in Wales. For a heatwave to be officially declared in Wales, temperatures will need to exceed 25C on three successive days, which is not impossible in parts of the country this week.
In the Border counties, the Met Office's three-day heatwave threshold is 26C. In London and surrounding counties, it's 28C.
It can be easy to under-estimate the misery pollen brings: while a cold typically lasts for one to two weeks, hayfever can last for weeks or even months depending on pollen counts and season. Keeping an eye on the Met Office website for daily updates symptoms can help keep a lid on symptoms.
Experts reckon the best time of day to get outdoors is around midday, as pollen counts are typically at their lowest. A good tip is to shower and change your clothes after being outdoors to rinse away trapped pollen. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
By the same reasoning, washing is often best dried indoors on high-pollen days as grass pollen can easily get onto clothes while drying outside. Closing windows in your house and car is another way to minimise exposure to pollen.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Scottish Sun

18 hours ago

• Scottish Sun

Hunched over a laptop all day or sleeping funny? The 5 best exercises to ease stiff joints, banish pain and sleep better

Plus the most common causes - and when you must seek medical help SORE POINT Hunched over a laptop all day or sleeping funny? The 5 best exercises to ease stiff joints, banish pain and sleep better SITTING hunched over a laptop or sleeping funny leaving you feeling stiff? If getting out of bed or picking something up from the floor is making you say 'ooh' and 'ahhh', you'll likely benefit from some simple exercises you can do at home, at work, or in the gym. Advertisement 7 Staying agile will lessen joint pain, improve sleep and boost longevity Credit: Getty And mobilising your joints won't just make movement more comfortable; a study in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports says that being mobile is one of the secrets to longevity. Research by Deep Relief found that 62 per cent of Brits have faced sleepless nights because of muscle and joint pain. Housework, walking and even getting out of bed are parts of life that are affected by the affliction. The knees, back and shoulders are the most impacted areas, followed by fingers, ankles and feet. Advertisement Alasdair Nicoll, personal trainer and expert tutor at The Fitness Group, says the main cause of stiffness is lifestyle and occupation. He tells Sun Health: 'Those that lead a particularly sedentary lifestyle and work in an office setting can often be tighter through their hamstrings, which can lead to hip and upper back stiffness.' He adds that it's "incredibly important" for these individuals to warm up and stretch on a daily basis. This could be in the morning upon waking, or before bed. Advertisement If you work from home, you might prefer to break up your work day with some joint mobility. 'Stretching minimises the risk of dysfunctional movement patterns which can limit your range of motion and lead to more severe injuries,' says Alasdair. Back pain relief stretches Another reason for stiff joints is skipping the warm up before exercise - which loosens them up - and the cool down afterwards. Stretching after exercise prevents muscles from seizing up, which in turn stops joints from feeling stiff. Advertisement Here, Alasdair has pulled together five different exercises to help you loosen up stiff joints, so you can move with ease. They will also make sleep more comfortably and reduce pain, and you never know, they may even help you live to 100! Follow the repetition guidance below. And if you feel comfortable, or have more time, then feel free to hold the stretches for longer. Tight hips: Hip internal and external rotation 10 to 15 reps on each side. Advertisement Sit on the floor with your right leg out straight, slightly to the side, and the other leg bent so that your foot is flat on the floor. Place your hands on the floor behind you and lean back. Lower your bent knee down to the floor as though you are trying to touch your knee to your other knee (rotating the hip). Lower it as far as you can before raising it back up. You should feel a bit of a stretch on the inside of the leg and outside of your butt. Advertisement Aim to move slowly so that you really benefit from this stretch. Swap sides. 7 Start position for hip rotations Credit: Supplied 7 Lower the knee of the left leg down to the right, rotating the hip Credit: Supplied Tight shoulders: Shoulder flexion and extension 10 to 15 reps on each arm. Advertisement Stand upright with both arms down by your sides. Keep your arms straight and lift your left arm straight up above your head and as far back as you can. Swing the arm down until it goes behind you, while simultaneously lifting your right arm up. Keep repeating this until you've completed the allotted reps. Advertisement To deepen the stretch, gently pulse your high arm back slightly. 7 Swing your arms for a shoulder stretch Credit: Supplied Tight hips: Pigeon stretch 10 to 15 seconds on each side. A great stretch for tight hips, this can be done with equipment such as a bench or sofa, or it can be done on the floor. Advertisement Take your right leg and either place it - at a 90-degree angle - on the edge of a bench or on the ground. Your left leg should remain straight behind you. Keep a tall torso as you sink down into your hips. Gently lean forward slightly to deepen the stretch. 7 Use a bench or the floor for a pigeon stretch Credit: Supplied Advertisement Tight ankles and knees: Ankle flexion Hold for 10 to 15 seconds on each side. Aim for 3 reps on each side. Tight ankles can come about from running or other sports, as well as wearing heels for long periods of time. This movement is also good for knees. You'll need a stable bench or chair for this stretch. Place half of your right foot on your bench and press it into the bench. Advertisement Place your hands either side of your foot on the bench, making sure your left leg is straight behind you. Now, aim to push your right, front knee over your toe, keeping your torso upright as you do so. Alasdair says this is great for helping increase flexion in the ankle; if possible, aim to deepen the stretch as it becomes more comfortable. 7 For ankle flexion, lean your knee over your toe Credit: Supplied Advertisement Full body: World's greatest stretch 10 reps on each side. Alisdair says that this is called the 'world's greatest stretch' as it helps to stretch multiple joints at one time, including the hips, spine and shoulders. Get into a low lunge position with your back knee on the floor. Place your hands on the ground alongside your front foot. Advertisement Next, take the hand that's furthest from your foot out to the side, and lift it up to the ceiling, opening up your chest and following your hand with your gaze. Then lower it back down. Keep repeating this until you've completed the allotted reps on each side. 7 The 'world's greatest stretch' targets the whole body Credit: Supplied

The Sun

18 hours ago

• The Sun

Hunched over a laptop all day or sleeping funny? The 5 best exercises to ease stiff joints, banish pain and sleep better

SITTING hunched over a laptop or sleeping funny leaving you feeling stiff? If getting out of bed or picking something up from the floor is making you say 'ooh' and 'ahhh', you'll likely benefit from some simple exercises you can do at home, at work, or in the gym. 7 And mobilising your joints won't just make movement more comfortable; a study in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports says that being mobile is one of the secrets to longevity. Research by Deep Relief found that 62 per cent of Brits have faced sleepless nights because of muscle and joint pain. Housework, walking and even getting out of bed are parts of life that are affected by the affliction. The knees, back and shoulders are the most impacted areas, followed by fingers, ankles and feet. Alasdair Nicoll, personal trainer and expert tutor at The Fitness Group, says the main cause of stiffness is lifestyle and occupation. He tells Sun Health: 'Those that lead a particularly sedentary lifestyle and work in an office setting can often be tighter through their hamstrings, which can lead to hip and upper back stiffness.' He adds that it's "incredibly important" for these individuals to warm up and stretch on a daily basis. This could be in the morning upon waking, or before bed. If you work from home, you might prefer to break up your work day with some joint mobility. 'Stretching minimises the risk of dysfunctional movement patterns which can limit your range of motion and lead to more severe injuries,' says Alasdair. Back pain relief stretches Another reason for stiff joints is skipping the warm up before exercise - which loosens them up - and the cool down afterwards. Stretching after exercise prevents muscles from seizing up, which in turn stops joints from feeling stiff. Here, Alasdair has pulled together five different exercises to help you loosen up stiff joints, so you can move with ease. They will also make sleep more comfortably and reduce pain, and you never know, they may even help you live to 100! Follow the repetition guidance below. And if you feel comfortable, or have more time, then feel free to hold the stretches for longer. Tight hips: Hip internal and external rotation 10 to 15 reps on each side. Sit on the floor with your right leg out straight, slightly to the side, and the other leg bent so that your foot is flat on the floor. Place your hands on the floor behind you and lean back. Lower your bent knee down to the floor as though you are trying to touch your knee to your other knee (rotating the hip). Lower it as far as you can before raising it back up. You should feel a bit of a stretch on the inside of the leg and outside of your butt. Aim to move slowly so that you really benefit from this stretch. Swap sides. 7 7 Tight shoulders: Shoulder flexion and extension 10 to 15 reps on each arm. Stand upright with both arms down by your sides. Keep your arms straight and lift your left arm straight up above your head and as far back as you can. Swing the arm down until it goes behind you, while simultaneously lifting your right arm up. Keep repeating this until you've completed the allotted reps. To deepen the stretch, gently pulse your high arm back slightly. 7 Tight hips: Pigeon stretch 10 to 15 seconds on each side. A great stretch for tight hips, this can be done with equipment such as a bench or sofa, or it can be done on the floor. Take your right leg and either place it - at a 90-degree angle - on the edge of a bench or on the ground. Your left leg should remain straight behind you. Keep a tall torso as you sink down into your hips. Gently lean forward slightly to deepen the stretch. 7 Tight ankles and knees: Ankle flexion Hold for 10 to 15 seconds on each side. Aim for 3 reps on each side. Tight ankles can come about from running or other sports, as well as wearing heels for long periods of time. This movement is also good for knees. You'll need a stable bench or chair for this stretch. Place half of your right foot on your bench and press it into the bench. Place your hands either side of your foot on the bench, making sure your left leg is straight behind you. Now, aim to push your right, front knee over your toe, keeping your torso upright as you do so. Alasdair says this is great for helping increase flexion in the ankle; if possible, aim to deepen the stretch as it becomes more comfortable. 7 Full body: World's greatest stretch 10 reps on each side. Alisdair says that this is called the 'world's greatest stretch' as it helps to stretch multiple joints at one time, including the hips, spine and shoulders. Get into a low lunge position with your back knee on the floor. Place your hands on the ground alongside your front foot. Next, take the hand that's furthest from your foot out to the side, and lift it up to the ceiling, opening up your chest and following your hand with your gaze. Then lower it back down. Keep repeating this until you've completed the allotted reps on each side. 7 What is causing your joint pain? How to spot the symptoms of the leading causes of joint pain... OSTEOARTHRITIS Look out for: Muscle weakness, pain, stiffness, usually in knees, hands or hips. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition characterised by the breakdown of cartilage. This is the most common type of joint pain, affecting six million women and four million men in the UK. Risk factors include ageing, obesity, joint injuries, genetics, and repetitive stress on joints. Symptoms typically worsen over time, and severe cases may significantly impact daily activities. Treatment focuses on pain management, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, medications, and in advanced cases, joint replacement surgery. BURSITIS Look out for: Heat and redness, tenderness and swelling, usually in the shoulder, elbow, hip or knee. Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction between bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. It commonly occurs in the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and heels. Repetitive movements, prolonged pressure, injury, or underlying conditions like arthritis or gout are common causes. If you have bursitis, rest, ice application, pain relief medications and avoiding aggravating activities are necessary. Severe or persistent cases may require corticosteroid injections or surgery. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS Look out for: Usually slow-onset swelling, pain, redness and stiffness, typically in small hand and feet joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition. It happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of joints, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. Over time, it can lead to joint deformity, loss of function, and damage to surrounding tissues, including cartilage and bone. Commonly affected areas include the hands, wrists, and feet, though it can also impact other organs. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, flare-ups, and slowing progression. SPRAIN OR STRAIN Look out for: Pain when resting or moving, swelling and weakness around injury. It's possible you don't have a health condition and rather, it's a sprain or injury to a ligament. Causes include overstretching or tearing due to sudden twists or impacts. This may be more common in the ankles, wrists, and knees. A strain, on the other hand, involves injury to a muscle or tendon, often resulting from overstretching or overuse. It commonly occurs in the lower back, hamstrings, or shoulders. Both injuries are treated with rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE) and sometimes physio.

Daily Mirror

a day ago

• Daily Mirror

'My hairdresser told me I had cancer - what happened next changed my life'

With many Brits forgetting daily sun protection and putting their skin at risk of long-term damage, it could be time to step up your SPF game. Abigail Barnes did after a routine hair appointment... It's important to look after your skin all year round, but in the summer it's even more vital to stay on top of your skincare. However, almost half of the UK population (45%) does not apply SPF on most days, putting them at risk of sunburn and skin damage. Dr Susan Mayou, co-founder and consultant dermatologist at Cadogan Clinic ( explains, 'What frequently happens is we get a burst of unexpected UV and people are caught unaware, or maybe it's not that hot but it's quite high UV. In the UK, this happens generally from about April and May onward. People don't realise that they need to be really good about their sun protection.' ‌ A recent survey by The British Skin Foundation revealed that 51% of Brits have experienced accidental sunburn. As well as not being prepared for high UV levels, not remembering to apply SPF to all exposed areas of skin is another contributing factor. ‌ 'People often forget they should put SPF on areas like the V of their chest,' says Dr Mayou. 'They remember their face but they'll be out doing something and forget there are other areas of the body they should have covered. 'Often I see people for a skin check who admit they've been sunburned in these situations. I check their skin for cancer, new moles and new pigmentation that's subsequently developed because, historically, they have often neglected to apply SPF.' Abigail Barnes, 45, a time management coach ( reveals how a skin cancer diagnosis changed her relationship with SPF... 'For a couple of years I'd noticed there was a persistent dry patch on my forehead, but I assumed it must be dry skin or psoriasis, so I thought nothing of it. However, during a trip to the hairdresser in 2019 I mentioned it in passing to my hairdresser, who replied, 'You should get that checked out. It could be cancer or something.' ‌ 'It was a throwaway comment and I felt it was a bit dramatic, but it made me keep a closer eye on it. Then, in 2021, I noticed it had gone from a dry patch to a scab that wouldn't heal. 'I phoned the doctor's surgery and booked an appointment. After sending my GP pictures of the area, I was referred to the dermatology unit and, in May, I underwent a biopsy. 'Two months later I received the news that it was skin cancer and needed to be removed. I couldn't believe it. I had honestly been expecting them to comeback and say it was nothing. 'Even though I had the diagnosis in front of me, it was still hard to take it in – right up until I had the operation in August to get rid of it. Now there's just a faint scar, but I religiously use factor 50 now, regardless of whether it's a sunny day or the middle of winter. 'As well as protecting me from UV rays, there's the anti-ageing benefits, too. Even if I'm not leaving my house, I put factor 50 on. I didn't in the past, but now it's just part of my daily routine.'