Britons are being advised to keep their windows shut as a massive plume of Saharan dust sweeps across the country, bringing potential health risks and hazy skies.
The Met Office has issued warnings as the dust cloud, carried by southerly winds from North Africa, is expected to reduce air quality and leave a fine layer of orange-tinted particles on cars and surfaces.
Why is Saharan dust a concern?
The dust particles can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma, leading health experts to recommend that vulnerable individuals take precautions.
- Keep windows and doors closed where possible
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity if you have breathing difficulties
- Wipe down surfaces that may collect dust
When will the dust arrive?
The phenomenon is expected to peak over the next 48 hours, with southern England likely to see the most significant effects. Some rain showers could create 'dirty rain' as the dust mixes with precipitation.
While the spectacle often creates stunning sunsets, the fine particles can cause problems for air quality monitoring systems and may trigger health alerts in some areas.
