Victorians suffering from hay fever have been warned to stay indoors until Thursday as extreme pollen levels sweep the state.
Melbourne Pollen warned on Friday that a warmer than average spring and prevailing winds are likely to lead to higher grass pollen levels.
Leading pollen expert Dr Edwin Lampugnani, from the University of Melbourne’s school of biosciences, told 3AW on Friday that people with hay fever should be cautious and may need to stay indoors until Thursday.
It is estimated that one in five Australians suffer from hay fever.
“If you are allergic to grass pollen, it is definitely recommended,” Dr. Lampugnani said.
Victorians suffering from hay fever are being warned to stay indoors until Thursday. Image: supplied
‘Pay attention and take medication on time. It can be debilitating.
“There will be extreme grass pollen levels in parts of Victoria… from Sunday until at least Thursday.”
The grass pollen forecast for much of Victoria is ‘extreme’, and in the southern part of the state it is ‘high’.
According to Melbourne Pollen, it is the earliest start to the pollen season in thirty years.
The grass pollen forecast for the state’s north, north-east, Mallee and Wimmera is ‘extreme’ on Friday, while the east remains at ‘high’.
Melbourne is low, while the southwest remains temperate.
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Since October 1, there have already been nine days with high levels of grass pollen, compared to five days in the same period in 2020.
The latest high pollen count has experts concerned.
Forecasts predict high to extreme grass pollen levels in northern Victoria tomorrow and a state-wide forecast of extreme grass pollen levels is expected by Monday.
People are advised to check the Melbourne Pollen website or use the Melbourne Pollen Count app to keep up to date with current alerts.