Spores and pollen: Are you impacted by autumn hay fever?

Summer is over and autumn is here, good news for most with hay fever, although the season brings its own allergens for sufferers.

While summer is the height of hay fever season, with tree and grass pollens soaring, autumn brings a boost to pollen from weeds and a spread of spores.

Spores come from mould, which grows quickly in wet but mild weather conditions typically found this season.

This mould is often found in soil and fallen, decomposing leaves and vegetables.

Weeds also thrive in autumn, in particular the likes of mugwort, nettles, and ragweed. All of which produce pollen and can persist late into the air until November.

Follow the same precautions as in summer if you are affected by weed pollen.

This includes keeping windows and doors closed to keep pollen and spores out, shower after heading outdoors, and avoid areas with high concentrations of weeds.

For mould spores, keep your home dry and check for any damp spots where mould could grow.

You can find pollen levels at any time in your Weather & Radar detailed forecast.