The Met Office has warned that a rare weather phenomenon known as 'blood rain' is expected to occur this weekend, covering cars and windows in red dust. The phenomenon happens when high levels of red-coloured dust or particles from the Sahara mix with rain, leaving a hazy residue on surfaces.
Where and When Will Blood Rain Occur?
Meteorologists predict the blood rain will fall heaviest across the South of England as the scorching heatwave breaks. Jim Dale, senior meteorologist at British Weather Services, explained: 'When the break in the heat comes, so when the cold front comes across into the cool air, the showers and the thunderstorms will follow. That comes with sand, because it's high in the atmosphere, and it'll progressively turn hazier and hazier.'
Dale added: 'Some of that dust sand will fall to earth in the showers that'll come. That's out of the Sahara, and out to Spain; the brown lands of Spain. So expect your cars to be covered in dust sand. It won't be everywhere, but it will be in certain places — mainly the south.'
Current Heatwave Conditions
The UK is currently experiencing a heatwave driven by a 'heat dome' that has drawn air from Europe and Africa. The mercury peaked at 34.6C in Wisley, Surrey, on Wednesday, according to the Met Office. A red weather warning — indicating danger to life — remains in place until Friday, leading to the closure of hundreds of schools, particularly in south Wales and the Southwest of England.
Previous Occurrences of Blood Rain
When the UK experienced blood rain in March, cars, windows, garden furniture, and other outdoor items were coated in dirt, requiring washing to remove marks. Stav Danaos, lead weather presenter with the BBC, said earlier this year: 'The downside of Saharan dust is that when it mixes with rain, it can leave dirty deposits on surfaces, particularly cars and windows, a phenomenon commonly known as blood rain.' He noted that parts of England and Wales were expected to experience the most pronounced effects due to prevailing winds and the position of the high-pressure system.
Impact and Safety
The blood rain is expected to occur as temperatures cool and rainfall returns, marking the most significant rain in several days. The heaviest bursts are anticipated in parts of the North of England this weekend. While the dust deposits are largely cosmetic and not harmful to health, they can be unsightly. The phenomenon is rare in the UK due to its typical climate, but the current heatwave has created conditions for its occurrence.
