South Australians could be hit by one of worst-ever hay fever seasons

Hay fever and asthma sufferers are being warned of a high pollen count in South Australia this week.

After a wetter-than-usual winter, experts fear the state could be facing one of its worst hay fever seasons, and air quality could get worse in the coming weeks. 

The conditions are creating what has been described as a "perfect pollen storm". Satellite images indicate a significant difference in vegetation greenness compared to the previous year, supporting predictions of high pollen levels.

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"This spring we've had quite a bit of rainfall and rainfall means more grass growth and more grass growth means more pollen," Dr Edwin Lampugnani said. 

"In SA we're starting to predict high levels of grass pollen and over the next week, we're expecting high and moderate levels." 

The pollen count is forecast to remain high for most of the week, with a slight decrease anticipated on Friday.

The increased pollen levels pose a risk to people with asthma and hay fever. 

"We know for this time of the year, people with asthma will potentially get a double whammy," Nigel Cooper from Asthma Australia said. 

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"Their asthma symptoms will increase, and also the hay fever symptoms will increase."

Asthma Australia is urging residents to prepare for potentially worsening conditions and to limit outdoor activities on high pollen days. 

"In Australia, we have over 470 deaths per year from asthma alone, so we have an asthma death every day," Cooper said.

The amount of rainfall over the next few weeks will be critical in how the current outlook changes, with more rain increasing the likelihood of high or extreme pollen days.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.