The nation will bask in a heavenly heatwave this week, but it will be hell for the nation’s hay fever sufferers.

Sunbathers flock to the seaside resort of Weymouth in Dorset to enjoy the scorching hot sunshine and clear blues skies

Visitors enjoy a hot sunny day on Brighton beach

Londoners flocked to parks during the warm spell this weekend

The hot sun will thrill millions as mid-May approaches but a “pollen bomb” will cause misery for many others, experts predict.

Forecasters reckon the weekend’s warm weather — which saw many hit beaches and parks — will get even better in the coming days.

The week will start with highs of 23C in the South, although the North will be cooler.

It could climb to 26C along the south coast by the end of the week — higher than the 24C expected in Marbella, Spain, and in Apizaco, Mexico.

Brits flocked to the seaside this weekend as scorching sunshine and blue skies dominated forecasts across the UK.

Londoners basked in the gorgeous sunshine in Hyde Park, while others took a dip in the sea near Brighton beach.

And the sunny weather is set to continue - with figures in the late 20s expected in the coming 10 days.

The Met Office said it will be “much warmer than average” across the UK.

Although southern areas are expected to see the best of it, the downside will be worse hay fever.

The combination of heat, little rain and a lack of wind will trigger masses of pollen, which will cause attacks among the UK’s estimated ten million hay fever sufferers.

The Met Office said: “Tree pollen occurs first, typically until mid-May, and affects around 25 per cent of people.

"Most people are allergic to grass pollen, which actually has two peaks, and the season lasts until July.

“Weed pollen can be released at any time but the season typically covers the end of June to September.”

A spokesman for Allergy UK said: “If people start to become symptomatic, they should start taking their medications early so they will be most effective when the pollen levels really peak.

“If they have them already that is great, otherwise talk to a pharmacist who will be able to help.”

Three ladies enjoying the warm weather at Sandycove, Dublin

Others were seen exercising in early summer weather in Green Park

The Met Office said it will be 'much warmer than average' across the UK