Home
Weather London
WeatherRadar
RainfallRadar
TemperatureRadar
WindRadar
LightningRadar
Weather News
Editor's Pick
Discover the app
Weather widget
Contact us
Apps
Career
    Home / Editor's Pick /

    Pollen levels spike: Rain and storms could worsen hay fever

08:00
8 May 2023

Pollen levels spike
Rain and storms could worsen hay fever

rain on flowers

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.

Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
Temperature Radar forecast for Friday in Europe. Very high temperatures across Spain and Eastern Europe, slightly cooler in the north and west.
Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Over 30 degrees in places

Early summer gets underway in Europe
Temperature map of the UK and western Europe showing intense red and orange heat across southern Britain, with temperatures reaching 31°C near London and a large thermometer icon beside the map.
Friday, 22 May 2026

Highs over 30 degrees

Unusually warm for the long weekend
The map shows current water temperatures in Europe and the Mediterranean. The water is particularly warm off the coast of Spain and North Africa, and cooler in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
Wednesday, 20 May 2026

Ideal for half-term

Warming waters in holiday spots
All weather news
This might also interest you
Weather graphic showing rain and wind fields over the Canary Islands and a central warning symbol.
Friday, 12 December 2025

Storm and rain

Turbulent weather in the Canary Islands
Split image showing strong winds over the UK on a forecast map and widespread rain and snow on a weather radar map.
Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Severe gales & heavy rain

Storm Chandra makes impact
Split image showing aerial flooding in a town with muddy water covering roads on the left, and a rural road on the right blocked by heavy snowfall with vans stopped and a person walking in snow.
Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Storm Chandra

Flooding, gales, and heavy snow
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList