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Households in parts of England are being urged not to dry clothes on washing lines this Friday as temperatures look set to peak at 28C. The Met Office says Friday is "likely" to be the warmest day of the year so far, with "warm, fine and settled weather" for many. The 28C peak is possible in southeast England.

Warmer weather might seem ideal for drying clothes on the line, but it can lead to even more discomfort for hay fever sufferers. This Friday, the Met Office's pollen forecast for the south east is "high" and this is set to continue into Saturday. One way of alleviating hay fever symptoms is to avoid drying your washing outside.

Experts at Mattress Online have said: "Some of your washing habits might need changing when dealing with hay fever symptoms.

"For example, avoid drying your clothes and bedsheets outside in the fresh air after doing your laundry, where pollen and dust can collect.

"Instead, dry them in a tumble dryer or hang them up inside."

Not drying clothes outside is also advised by the NHS, which says laundry can catch pollen.

The NHS recommends a number of things hay fever sufferers can do to ease the symptoms.

These include wearing wraparound sunglasses as well as showering and changing clothes after being outside.

Hoovering regularly, dusting with a damp cloth and keeping windows and doors shut as much as possible are also recommended by the NHS.

The health service advises against cutting or walking on grass, keeping time outside to a minimum and not keeping fresh flowers inside.

Smoking or being around smoke can also make hay fever symptoms worse. Pets should also be kept outside the house as well if possible as they can carry pollen on their fur.

Pharmacists can advise hay fever sufferers too, with treatments including antihistamine drops, tablets or nasal sprays.