Forecasters have officially confirmed that Thursday, 5th March 2026, stands as the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures soaring to a record-breaking 19.2 degrees Celsius in Northolt, located in west London. This new high for 2026 surpasses the previous record of 18.7C set just last week at nearby Kew Gardens, marking a significant early spring warmth across the capital.
Saharan Dust Brings Spectacular Sunsets and 'Blood Rain'
Simultaneously, meteorological experts are anticipating a visually stunning sunset this evening across much of the United Kingdom. This phenomenon is driven by dust particles originating from the Saharan desert, which are being carried by warm winds across Europe and towards the British Isles. When this fine dust interacts with rainfall, it creates what is colloquially known as "blood rain," leaving a reddish-brown residue on surfaces.
Expert Insights on Dust and Pollution
Weather specialist Claire Ryder, a professor at the University of Reading, explained to the Press Association that the peak dust concentration will intensify overnight and into Friday, offering the best opportunity for vivid sunsets, particularly in eastern England. She noted, "Tomorrow, skies will be less visible as it is more cloudy, so the best chance to see a great sunset is this evening."
In response to the elevated pollution levels, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has issued a city-wide "high air pollution" alert, effective before Friday. This marks the first such alert of the year, with pollution expected to peak overnight and early tomorrow morning. Stronger winds later in the day are anticipated to help disperse the accumulated pollutants.
Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, urged Londoners to take precautions during this period. He stated, "We are urging Londoners to look after themselves in this high pollution period, stop their engines idling, and refrain from burning wood or garden waste – all of which contribute to high levels of pollution. This is particularly important to protect the most vulnerable as we continue building a safer and greener London for everyone." Coban also highlighted that toxic air is responsible for approximately 4,000 premature deaths annually in London.
Clarifying 'Blood Rain' and Weather Forecasts
Jim Dale, senior meteorological observer at British Weather Services, clarified the term "blood rain," describing it as a dramatic title without actual blood involvement. He explained, "Saharan dust is very fine sand particles off the Sahara desert which get lifted by the wind. The dust comes down, joins with raindrops, and leaves a film of sand or dust that is red/brown coloured on surfaces such as cars."
A spokesperson from the Met Office added, "The London area is expected to be the warmest part of the country today with temperatures in the high teens quite widely." Looking ahead, Friday will bring clouds across much of England and Wales, while Ireland and Scotland are set to enjoy sunny conditions. Temperatures are forecast to drop to around 11C to 12C in England and Wales.
The weekend weather will feature a mix of patchy cloud and some sunshine, with high temperatures reaching 12C to 13C on Saturday and 14C on Sunday, providing a varied but generally mild outlook for early March.
