Overview

• The UK entered its third summer heatwave on July 8 with temperatures reaching up to 33 °C over several days
• Met Office forecasts ‘high’ to ‘very high’ pollen levels across southern England and Wales through the coming weekend
• Wet laundry left outside acts like a sponge for pollen and dust, embedding grains in fabrics that transfer allergens indoors
• Specialists including MattressOnline and Rebecca Samuels urge hay fever sufferers to use tumble dryers or indoor drying solutions such as dehumidifiers and ventilated racks
• Warmer springs and milder winters are extending tree and grass pollen seasons, heightening allergy risks for an estimated 10–13 million Britons