MILLIONS of hay fever sufferers face misery this week as the pollen count hits a 12-year high.

Hot weather combined with thunderstorms over the past few weeks have created the perfect conditions for a spike.

3 London, the East, South East, South West and East Midlands will be worst hit as grass pollen hits its highest level since 2006 Credit: Getty - Contributor

Even those who have never had an allergic reaction are expected to get runny noses and itchy eyes.

Grass pollen, which affects 95 per cent of sufferers, is due to be at its highest level since 2006 today and tomorrow.

London, the East, South East, South West and East Midlands will be worst hit.

More than 20million Brits suffer from hay fever each year, with 41 per cent of them saying it ruins their whole summer, according to a Met Office survey.

3 More than 20million Brits suffer from hay fever each year, with 41 per cent of them saying it ruins their whole summer, the Met Office says Credit: Getty - Contributor

Experts warn that symptoms can be made worse by drying washing outside and leaving windows open, allowing pollen in.

The Met Office’s Yolanda Clewlow said: “We know how seriously hay fever can impact people’s lives.”

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