'Blood rain' and fiery sunsets as Saharan dust sweeps UK

'Blood rain' and fiery sunsets as Saharan dust sweeps UK Published 20 minutes ago A remarkable display is expected in the skies over the UK later this week as a vast plume of Saharan dust drifts north over much the country. The dust, made up of fine sand and mineral particles lifted from the deserts of North Africa, will have travelled thousands of miles on warm southerly air currents. As it moves across the UK, it is expected to transform ordinary sunrises and sunsets into striking displays of deep gold, amber, and burnt orange. However, 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. The brightest colours are expected on Thursday and continuing into Friday, especially when skies are clear at sunrise and sunset. The most noticeable displays are likely to occur in England and Wales as clearer and cooler conditions arrive from the west by the end of the week. Over the past few days Iberia has been battered by Storm Regina, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and widespread disruption. As the storm tracked eastward into the western Mediterranean, it drew up warm southerly winds from North Africa, lifting fine Saharan dust high into the atmosphere. This dust is now set to be carried towards the UK around an area of high pressure that is currently delivering fine, mild, and sunny conditions. What is 'blood rain'? When Saharan dust mixes with rain it creates what is commonly known as blood rain. Tiny dust particles suspended in the atmosphere are captured by raindrops and deposited onto surfaces, leaving a thin, gritty, reddish-brown residue. Cars, windows, garden furniture and other outdoor items can become noticeably coated, sometimes requiring a wash to remove the marks. Parts of England and Wales are expected to experience the most pronounced effects, as dust concentrations are forecast to be highest there due to prevailing winds and the posi...