Tissues at the ready: Pollen season has arrived early

This year's pollen season has been kickstarted by high levels of tree pollen to start February.

You can find detailed information on pollen levels near you on the Weather & Radar homepage for wherever you are!

There are three defined periods of the pollen season. This is started by tree pollen as we see now with elevated levels of hazel and alder pollens. Historically this begins in March but levels have spiked in February.

Following this we see levels of grass pollen rise from around May into July before weed pollens become dominant through until September.

Despite the historic seasons, studies suggest that our warming climate is resulting in pollen arriving sooner and lasting later into the year... and pollen is becoming more allergenic.

A study carried out by the University of Utah shows the US pollen season is now starting 20 days earlier than ever, lasting over a week longer, and features 21% more pollen than recorded three decades ago.

It is a trend being repeated around the world.

Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Worcester say that pollen particles, and grass pollen specifically, are becoming more potent due to higher levels of carbon dioxide which is absorbed by plants.

If you suffer with hay fever be sure to check pollen levels near you in the Weather & Radar app this season and check back later in the season for some tips on managing hay fever.