21/06/2025
Yellow Alert Thunderstorm โ Warning for Asthma, COPD and Hayfever Sufferers.
The MET Office has also issued a Yellow Warning for a Thunderstorm from 15:00 on Saturday, June 21, 2025, until 04:00 on Sunday, June 22, 2025
Weather summary: Whilst many places will likely remain dry and unaffected, scattered thunderstorms may develop during Saturday afternoon and evening.
The most intense thunderstorms could produce frequent lightning, large hail, gusty winds, and heavy downpours.
Asthma symptoms may worsen significantly after thunderstorms, particularly during the summer months. High levels of pollen during thunderstorms trigger asthma.
Thunderstorm asthma can lead to increased hospital admissions and visits to the emergency department, particularly in vulnerable individuals. If you suffer from asthma, it is recommended that you stay indoors with the windows closed before, during, and after thunderstorms and carry your reliever inhaler.
Groups at most risk:โ
Diagnosed asthma sufferers, particularly those with low adherence to preventer inhalers โ
Undiagnosed asthma sufferersโโ
Those with hay fever
Other risk factors
Being outside during a stormโ
Opening windows during a storm
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Take action
In the event of a thunderstorm during pollen season, it is advised to go indoors and keep your windows and doors shut, if safe to do so
In the event of an asthma attack, complete the first aid actions for asthma (use a reliever inhaler, call 999 if symptoms are worsening or not improving)
Make sure you and the people you spend time with know what to do in case of an asthma attack.
Manage your asthma and hayfever
Remember, using your preventer inhaler properly and regularly is key to preventing asthma
Always have your reliever inhaler with you
Have an asthma review once a year and update your asthma action plan
If you experience wheezing and coughing with your hay fever, it is important to check you do not also have asthma
See your pharmacist or doctor for a hay fever/asthma treatment plan
Check if you should have an asthma reliever inhaler
Monitor pollen and weather conditions
Listen to the news and check your local weather forecast so that you know if โ and when โ thunderstorms are expected
Keep an eye on the weather and pollen forecasts