London: Health warnings have been issued for England and Wales as a potentially hazardous cloud of Saharan dust arrives in the UK.
Weather officials confirmed on Thursday morning the onset of “exceptionally mild” weather, high levels of pollution and rain showers which, if they combine, could lead to the phenomenon known as “blood rain”.
Asthma-sufferers, the elderly and those with breathing difficulties were most at risk, with “moderate” pollution levels recorded in South Wales, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Saharan dust is lifted from its source in west Africa by strong winds and is blown northwards in weather systems heading towards the UK. It is lifted by strong winds and can reach very high altitudes.
From there, it can be transported worldwide by winds, covering distances of thousands of miles before getting caught in rain droplets in clouds.
