Hay fever sufferers in Surrey warned as 'pollen bomb' arrives
The Met Office has raised the pollen levels in South East England to 'very high'.
People who suffer from hay fever are being advised to take precautions as a so-called grass "pollen bomb" hits Surrey.
The term refers to a sudden short burst of high pollen production which may trigger hay fever symptoms in many people.
The Met Office has labelled the pollen levels in London & South East England as very high on Saturday and they will remain high for the next few days.
Hay fever is a common allergy that causes sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes. Other symptoms listed on the NHS website include loss of smells, pain around the sides of your head and tiredness.
Airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg says many people are likely to be affected this weekend.
"95% of hay fever sufferers are allergic to grass so even if you've been alright up until now, this weekend might be when it starts to hit you."
He says hay fever can be difficult to avoid.
"The first thing with any allergy is to avoid the allergen which is hard to do with pollen when you're out there and you can't see it.
"The best thing you can do is use an allergen barrier balm and wipe it around your nose and your eye sockets to trap pollen before it gets in."
Hay fever sufferers are also advised to limit time spent outdoors and take antihistamines.
The NHS advises people to see a GP if symptoms do not improve with treatment.