Pollen bomb for opening weekend of Euros 2021

With football fans up and down the country expected to be enjoying the Euros 2021 in the sunshine this weekend, Hay fever sufferers have been warned to expect high pollen levels.

Data from the Kleenex Pollen Forecast shows that pollen levels across the country are continuing to shoot up, potentially leading to a crowd of runny noses, sore eyes and sneezing fits.

The Kleenex Pollen Forecast will help football fans plan their first Euro 2021 weekend by letting them check the pollen count specific to their local town. The tracking tool provides a detailed five day forecast for the pollen count for all 1.7 million postcodes across the UK. Hay fever sufferers can now also sign up to receive Kleenex pollen alerts specific to their postcode delivered straight to their inbox.

England kicks off their campaign against Croatia on Sunday at Wembley stadium. Sunny weather and temperatures up to 28 degrees are forecast, which is expected to contribute heavily to higher pollen levels.

The severity of pollen levels is measured by Pollen Grains Per Cubic Metre (PPM). A reading of 61-341 for grass pollen is considered high, and anything above 342 very high. Selected regions with currently high forecasts for grass pollen in the UK on Sunday include:

London: 263 PPM
Belfast: 249 PPM
Bristol: 284 PPM
Edinburgh: 249 PPM
Glasgow: 232 PPM
Leeds: 263 PPM
Leicester: 250 PPM
Liverpool: 243 PPM
Manchester: 279 PPM
Nottingham: 145 PPM

Readings are correct as of 11th June. Data is updated in real time, so please check the Kleenex Pollen Forecast for the latest pollen levels.

Its data is sourced from Ambee, which collates information from pollen traps across the country, about local weather on the day and on different types of trees, weeds and grass in a specific area.

For those still planning on heading outside to watch the game, Amena Warner, Head of Clinical Services, Allergy UK, has shared advice for hay fever sufferers on how they can manage symptoms:

1/ Consider your wardrobe choices

• Accessories like hats and wraparound sunglasses can stop pollen from reaching face, hair and importantly, eyes

2/ Try using an allergen barrier balm

• Some allergy sufferers find that applying an allergen barrier balm around the base of the nostrils and around sunglasses creates a barrier to airborne allergens

3/ Schedule your daily outings carefully

• Always check the Kleenex™ Pollen Forecast before leaving the house. Monitoring pollen levels daily can help you plan ahead to manage your symptoms

4/ Shower when you return home

• Pollen can stay on your skin and hair after you’ve been outside, so take a shower as soon as possible when you return home

5/Always carry a pack of tissues with you

Kleenex Allergy Comfort tissues hold the Allergy UK Seal of Approval and are designed to be gentle and ultra-absorbent for use around watery eyes and runny noses. They are available in convenient on-the-go soft packs, perfectly sized for any bag.

Visit the Kleenex Pollen Forecast to check out your postcode’s pollen count.