BRITAIN is set to get hotter than MEXICO as temperatures rise to freezing 26C – but it will not be bliss for everyone.
The nation will bask in a celestial heatwave this week, but it will be hell for the nation’s hay fever sufferers.
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Hot sun will excite millions as mid-May approaches, but a “pollen bomb” will cause misery for many others, experts predict.
Forecasters predict that the weekend’s warm weather – like so many affected beaches and parks – will get even better in the coming days.
The week starts with temperatures of 23C in the south, although the north gets cooler.
It could rise to 26C along the south coast at the end of the week – higher than the 24C expected in Marbella, Spain and in Apizaco, Mexico.
The British flocked to the sea this weekend as scorching sunshine and blue skies dominated the weather forecast across the UK.
Londoners basked in the beautiful sunshine of Hyde Park, while others took a dip in the sea near Brighton Beach.
And the sunny weather is set to continue – with numbers in their late 20s expected in the next 10 days.
The Met Office said it would be “much warmer than average” across the UK.
Although southern areas are expected to see the best of it, the downside will be worse hay fever.
The combination of heat, little rain and lack of wind will trigger plenty of pollen, which will cause attacks among Britain’s estimated ten million hay fever sufferers.
The Met Office said: “Tree pollen occurs first, typically until mid-May, and affects about 25 percent of people.
“Most people are allergic to grass pollen, which actually has two peaks, and the season lasts until July.
“Weed pollen can be released at any time, but the season typically covers the end of June to September.”
A spokesman for Allergy UK said: “If people start to become symptomatic, they should start taking their medication early, so they will be most effective when pollen levels really peak.
“If they already have them, it’s great, otherwise talk to a pharmacist who will be able to help.”
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