Hay fever sufferers are being warned to expect very high pollen levels as a spell of sunny weather sweeps into Kent for the weekend.

After a good few days of below average temperatures, rain and cloudy skies, the county is expected to enjoy some warm dry weather with lengthy spells of sunshine forecast.

But the brighter weather - which is expected to come with possible highs of 23C - is likely to bring with it some problems for those suffering with seasonal allergies.

Pollen counts are expected to rocket to very high levels between Friday and Monday as the forecast sunshine collides with a peak in the grass pollen season where levels are at their highest during the first two weeks of June.

A warning published on the Met Office's pollen count website is warning of 'very high' pollen levels for the next four days across London, the south east and eastern regions. It reads: "Grass and nettle pollen risk will rise substantially when the good weather occurs."

UV levels, which indicate the strength of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun at a particular place on a particular day, are also expected to be high as a result of the better weather.

While some far northern areas of the UK, and in particular Scotland and Northern Ireland, are expected to get the remnants of Florida's tropical storm Alex on Thursday and Friday in the form of some very heavy rain, thunder, hail and gale-force winds, most southern and eastern areas look set to escape the wet and windy conditions in favour of warmer brighter days.

However Met Office forecasters say that as a result of the strong winds and low pressure coming across the Atlantic from America's eastern coast, Saturday could be a noticeably 'breezy day' for all despite the strong sunshine forecast, which could further whip up grass pollen for hay fever sufferers.