UK households urged to avoid drying clothes outside from Saturday

UK households should avoid drying their clothes outdoors from Saturday, according to Met Office forecasts. Hanging your laundry outside to dry is a cost-effective and easy alternative to using a tumble dryer, which many people like to make the most out of during the hotter months. And while the UK has experienced wet and cold weather recently, it appears that temperatures will soon pick up, meaning people are likely to start hanging out their laundry again.

However, the Met Office has warned against doing so, especially for those with allergies, as its pollen forecast indicates pollen levels across the UK will be fairly high over the next week.

Pollen levels tomorrow in London and South East England are forecast to be very high, with the rest of the south, the Midlands, and East of England and Wales, all predicted to experience high levels of pollen. Levels will reduce as you travel up in the nation.

However, all UK households should still remain cautious as pollen levels will increase over the next few days. The Met Office’s pollen forecast shows levels over the next five days, and by Tuesday, all of England and Wales are forecast to have very high or high pollen levels.

With that, the Met Office advises households to “avoid drying washing outdoors when the pollen count is high or when cutting the grass, as this can bring pollen into the house”.

Over 10 million people suffer from hay fever. Pollen allergy causes symptoms including sneezing, coughing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy eyes, mouth, or throat.

Research shows that the number of people suffering from hay fever is on the rise, and therefore, even if you do not experience the symptoms, it is best to still take precautions to keep yourself and those around you safe.

The UK is currently in the first peak of the grass pollen season, which typically runs from late May to late June, followed by a second, lower peak in early to mid-July.

Pollen easily gets attached to clothes, and so following the advice from the Met Office will help minimise the risk of bringing pollen into your home.