UK weather: Warning as Saharan dust hits UK

Saharan dust clouds could hit the UK on hottest day of the year, putting asthma sufferers at risk

UK weather: Warning as Saharan dust pollutes UK

by Kayleigh Dray |
Published on

As many of you will have noticed from the balmy temperatures, today is the hottest day of the UK… so far.

Met Office forecaster Dan Williams said: “Friday is expected to be the warmest day with 69.8F (21C) or 71.6F (22C) possible.”

“Air is coming from the tropics and passing over land to the south of the UK before coming here.”

But, while plenty of us have ducked out of work to catch a few rays before they disappear for a rainy weekend, certain areas of south-east England are expected to face very high levels of pollution.

And it’s all due to traffic fumes mixing with Saharan dust from the south.

Dr Sotiris Vardoulakis, head of the air pollution and climate change group at Public Health England (PHE), said: "While most people will not be affected by short term peaks in air pollution, some individuals, particularly those with existing heart or lung conditions, may experience increased symptoms.”

Stock image
Stock image

He has advised asthma sufferers to carry their inhaler round with them, as they may need to use them more than normal.

Adults and children suffering from lung or heart problems, as well as older people, have also been advised to avoid strenuous activity.

However the pollution is likely to be short-lived, with levels returning to low early on Saturday morning thanks to clearer Atlantic winds spreading across the country.

Nicola Maxey, spokesperson for the Met Offic, explained: “There will be a little bit of Saharan dust in the air.

"Most people will not notice it unless it rains and is washed out of the air. If this happens then people may see fine particles of dust on their car windscreen for example.

"This high pressure is moving away from the country to the east, which means the start of next week will be unsettled and changeable, with an increased risk of showers."

Sigh. At least it's warm, eh?

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