EX-TROPICAL storm Alex will bring strong winds and thundery downpours, together with warm temperatures and a high pollen count – prompting warnings for hay fever sufferers.
Forecasters say the unseasonably strong winds could reach up to 55mph.
Airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg told the Daily Star: “With this fine weather thunderstorms are also predicted, and they can bring problems for hay fever sufferers.
“Very high pollen counts are predicted across many parts of England from Thursday onwards causing havoc for the millions of hay fever sufferers in the UK.
“Predicted thunderstorms won’t give respite, as instead they can cause a phenomenon known as ‘thunder fever’.”
Mr Wiseberg, creator of HayMax allergen barrier balm, added: “According to a report in The European Respiratory review, humidity breaks pollen grains into smaller allergenic particles.
“These new pollen grains turn into a kind of ‘super pollen’, and this appears to be more allergenic than normal pollen, causing more severe reactions in sufferers.
“Storms bring pollen grains down which might have otherwise risen above head height out of harm’s way and whipping up pollen grains and fungal spores near the ground.”
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