Saharan dust cloud heads for Britain: UK on high alert

Large parts of Britain have been put on air pollution alert as a Saharan dust cloud is set to sweep through the country.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has said there is a risk of "moderate or high" levels of air pollution in southern and central England and Wales on Thursday.

According to Wales Online, occurrences of "blood rain" could also be caused by the Saharan dust cloud.

Blood rain is believed to be caused by red dust suspended in the water or by the presence of micro-organisms.

See also: Unseasonable temperatures could reach 17C this weekend!

See also: Storm Desmond floods bring 260ft waterfall back to life


People with health problems, including asthma, lung conditions and heart conditions, are advised by the Government to cut back on physical activity.

Anyone experiencing a cough, sore throat, or sore eyes is also advised to reduce physical exertion and stay indoors.

Speaking to the Mirror, Director of Advice at Asthma UK, Andrew Proctor, said: "People with asthma need to take extra care. "We are facing a perfect storm of asthma triggers, with air pollution and weather changes increasing the risk of potentially fatal asthma attacks for millions of people with the condition."

According to the Daily Telegraph, a Defra pollution forecast said: "There is a risk of Moderate or High levels of air pollution across parts of England and Wales on Thursday due to Saharan dust, although large uncertainties remain with the timing and amount of dust."

The news comes as Britain is set to experience a completely unseasonable spell of hot weather this weekend, with temperatures possibly reaching 17C.

A band of tropical air is set to come in off the Atlantic, pushing temperatures up by 10C above average for this time of year.