Health guidance
Air pollution affects us all, especially those who are more vulnerable to its health effects, and those who spend time in high pollution areas. Air pollution can have a bigger effect on older people, children, pregnant people, and those with cardio (heart) and respiratory (lung) conditions.
Anyone having symptoms should follow the health guidance to reduce the effects of air pollution, pollen, extreme weather, and UV.
Air pollution index
The index used to describe air quality is the daily air quality index (DAQI) for the UK. It represents air pollution using a 1 to 10 scale divided into four bands: low, moderate, high, and very high.
Air pollution advice
The daily air quality index (DAQI) describes four levels of air pollution: low, moderate, high and very high.
To reduce your exposure to air pollution, the bands have advice for everyone, plus for at-risk individuals including adults and children with heart or lung conditions, and older people.
Sign up to receive free airTEXT alerts when there is a moderate, high or very high alert, and follow the health guidance.
At-risk individuals
Follow your doctor's advice about exercising and managing your condition.
Susceptible individuals may experience health effects even on low air pollution days. Anyone having symptoms should follow the guidance provided.
Low
1 2 3At-risk individuals
Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.
General population
Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.
Moderate
4 5 6At-risk individuals
Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, who experience symptoms, should consider reducing strenuous physical activity, particularly outdoors.
General population
Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.
High
7 8 9At-risk individuals
Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, who experience symptoms, should consider reducing strenuous physical activity, particularly outdoors.
People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often.
Older people should also reduce physical exertion.
General population
Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors.
Very high
10At-risk individuals
Adults and children with lung problems, adults with heart problems, and older people, should avoid strenuous physical activity.
People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often.
General population
Reduce physical exertion, particularly outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as cough or sore throat.
Long-term effects of air pollution
While episodes of high air pollution can lead to negative health effects, even regular long-term exposure to air pollution at lower levels can be harmful.
Read the Chief Medical Officer’s annual report on air pollution 2022.
The pollen forecast
The pollen forecast may be low, moderate, high or very high.
Between late March and September, the pollen count is at its highest, especially when it's warm, humid, and windy.
Exposure to pollen grains can cause hay fever (also called seasonal allergenic rhinitis), which can last for months.
Low
No action needed
Moderate
Those with hay fever or allergies should consider wearing a face mask and wraparound sunglasses when outdoors.
High
Those with hay fever or allergies should stay indoors to reduce exposure to pollen.
If outdoors: wear a face mask, wraparound sunglasses, and shower and change clothes when you return home.
Very high
Those with hay fever or allergies should stay indoors to reduce exposure to pollen.
If outdoors: wear a face mask, wraparound sunglasses, and shower and change clothes when you return home.
Learn more about prevention and treatment of hay fever
Extreme weather advice
The forecasts show the minimum and maximum hourly temperatures predicted over a 24-hour period.
Heatwave
Keep out of the heat if possible.
If you have to go outside, stay in the shade, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30, a hat, and light clothes, and avoid strenuous physical activity.
Cold weather
If you're eligible, it's important to get winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to help you stay well in winter.
If possible, heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F), keep your bedroom window closed on cold nights.
Wear lots of layers of thin clothes, eat enough, and have hot drinks.
Learn more about how to cope in a heatwave.
Learn more about staying well in cold weather.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays advice
The UV forecasts predict the maximum hourly cloud-adjusted solar UV index over 24 hours. The higher the UV index number, the less time it takes for the sun to damage your skin.
Low
1 2No sun protection needed.
Moderate
3 4 5Be sun-safe and consider protecting your skin by finding shades, covering it with clothing and using sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
High
6 7Be sun-safe and consider protecting your skin by finding shades, covering it with clothing and using sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Very high
8+Everyone, no matter their skin tone, should prioritize protecting their skin by finding shades, covering it with clothing and using sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Lear more about sun safety on the Cancer Research UK website.