Vibrant skies, blood rain - Saharan dust reaches the UK

Vibrant skies, blood rain
Saharan dust reaches the UK

Aerosol density map dated Thu 05.03 showing a plume of Saharan dust in yellow and orange extending from North Africa across Spain and France into the UK, with an arrow indicating northward movement toward London.

Saharan dust reaches the UK by Thursday evening.

The skies will turn golden at sunrise and sunset to end the week, thanks to a plume of Saharan dust reaching the UK.

Earlier this week, the plume of dust, comprised of sand and mineral particles, moved over the Iberian Peninsula. From Thursday, it reaches our shores.

The largest concenration of dust in the atmosphere will pass over southern England, though there may be more colourful skies further north too.

Expect hazy skies, with the dust particles causing golden orange colours as the sun rises and sets. Additionally, should rain move in, a phenomenon known as blood rain is possible.

Rain washes the dust from the atmosphere, and can leave a dusty coating on vehicles as it falls. Patchy rain is expected overnight from Thursday into Friday.

Saharan dust reaching the UK is not particularly rare, and plumes can also cross the Atlantic Ocean into the Americas and Caribbean.

Learn more about blood rain!