A Saharan dust cloud is expected to settle over parts of the UK on Thursday, prompting health experts to issue warnings to elderly people and those with breathing difficulties. High pollution levels are forecast for southern and central England, with Lincolnshire expected to bear the brunt of the cloud.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has issued alerts for most of England and Wales, advising that older people, asthma sufferers and those with respiratory conditions are most at risk. Defra recommends reducing strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors, and using reliever inhalers more frequently if symptoms occur.
Asthma UK has warned that the combination of air pollution and weather changes creates a 'perfect storm' of triggers for asthma attacks. Andrew Proctor, director of advice and support, urged people with asthma to carry their reliever inhalers at all times and check forecasts regularly. Temperatures are expected to hover around 17C.
