Thunderstorm set to put asthma and hayfever sufferers at high risk

Thunderstorms across the state are set to wreak havoc on asthma and hayfever sufferers, with the Department of Health warning them to stay inside.

A cracking lightning shot during a thunderstorm over Proserpine last week.

The Department of Health has issued a warning for asthma sufferers ahead of a forecasted thunderstorm on Thursday.

The Department said there was a high level of risk to those living in the Wimmera region in the states West.

The epidemic thunderstorm asthma warning was issued on Wednesday, with other parts of the state being at medium risk including the Mallee, the southwest, central Victoria and North Central Victoria.

The rest of the state remains low risk.

Thunderstorm asthma is thought to be triggered by a unique combination of high amounts of grass pollen in the air and a certain type of thunderstorm.

Symptoms of those with asthma or hay fever can be triggered quite severely as a result.

The department of Health said everyone should familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of asthma and with basic asthma first aid.

They also warned sufferers in high and medium risk areas should avoid going outside during the thunderstorm.

People who might be affected are also encouraged to close all their doors and windows and turn any air conditioner to recirculate.

VicEmergency is encouraging people to have an asthma action plan and keep medication, including inhalers, nearby and accessible.

VicEmergency will issue more information as the situation progresses.