After a difficult Saturday evening for many hay fever and asthma sufferers across Victoria, high or extreme grass pollen levels are forecast again this afternoon.

Grass pollen levels peaked at extreme levels around 8 p.m. yesterday, according to Melbourne Pollenwhich has led many people to look for hay fever tablets or nasal sprays.

Edwin Lampugnani, the service’s director of operations, said Sunday morning that grass pollen counts had been rising steadily over the past 24 hours.

“It peaked last night around eight o’clock, when the levels reached very significant levels, extreme levels, before slowly falling, but remained in the extreme band until about 7 o’clock this morning,” said Dr. Lampugnani.

However, the reprieve is expected to be short-lived, with high levels of grass pollen expected across much of Victoria and extreme levels in the north central and north east of the state.

“We anticipate that this afternoon will be difficult for most people with hay fever and particularly for those with asthma,” Dr Lampugnani said.

VicEmergency also warns of a high risk of asthma storms in East Gippsland.

Dr Lampugnani said Victoria was now entering its main grass pollen season, with a number of high and extreme grass pollen days typical for this time of year.

“So it’s very important that if you have hay fever and asthma that you are prepared,” he said.

“If you have asthma, make sure you have an asthma action plan in place. If you have severe hay fever, make sure you have gone to a GP or a pharmacist and for seeking the advice you clearly need.”