ACT Health is warning of a possible, rare thunderstorm asthma event in the ACT this weekend (December 17-19).

The directorate says elevated pollen levels and the possibility of “gusty” thunderstorms could increase the risk of a thunderstorm asthma event.

Not all thunderstorms produce an asthma event, and thunderstorm asthma is a rare event, according to the directorate.

However, people who suffer from hay fever or asthma should be vigilant over the weekend for any worsening of their condition.

“Where possible avoid being outside during a thunderstorm – especially in the wind gusts that come before the storm,” says ACT Health.

“Go inside and close your doors and windows, if you have your air conditioning on, turn it on to recirculate.

“If you develop asthma symptoms, follow your asthma action plan, in the event of a medical emergency you should call 000.”

Thunderstorm asthma can be triggered by a combination of high grass pollen levels and some thunderstorms, which causes some people to develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time.

The risk of thunderstorm asthma may increase this year with wetter than usual conditions encouraging grass growth, and more stormy weather in the region, the directorate says.