Pollen levels spike: Rain and storms could worsen hay fever

Are you suffering with hay fever after a weekend of storms and rainfall... it is no coincidence, pollen often booms after rain.

No matter the time of year, rainfall will dampen pollen, easing the amount in the air. While levels will generally be lower, raindrops can kick up grass and weed pollen, just not to a significant amount.

Despite this, thunderstorms can also result in greater pollen density due to the humidity that accompanies them, causing grains to burst.

Winds then lift the released pollen and carry it far away. As warmer and drier conditions return, grains and grass which have swelled over the past few weeks will begin to release their pollen.

So after thunderstorms in England last Friday, and heavy rainfall continuing to start this new week, another burst of pollen is likely when more spring-like conditions return.

You can stay on top of the pollen levels in your area at any time here in the Weather & Radar app with our dedicated pollen feature.