UK weather: Britain engulfed by Saharan dust plume as El Nino sparks scorching temperatures
Sand clouds from the Sahara desert have filled British skies as unseasonably high temperatures beat down on the UK
Met Office
Sand clouds from the Sahara desert have filled British skies as unseasonably high temperatures beat down on the UK.
A film of dust and sand have been spotted on vehicles, windscreens and windows across the Midlands following sand showers overnight.
The Saharan dust has also caused the sky to appear more red than usual with colourful sunrises and sunsets.
It comes as a heatwave sweeps across the UK with temperatures expected to reach 32C.
Weather expert Jim Dale added that Britons could continue to see Saharan dust over the coming days, as it remains in the atmosphere around the UK
Met Office
Jim Dale, meteorologist for British Weather Services explained that the El Nino warming of waters is becoming stronger.
Speaking to GB News, he said: "El nino is becoming stronger with time and it's not over yet. I think we still have some extraordinary weather to come.
"Temperatures tomorrow and over the weekend could reach 32C and we've already seen the hottest September since 2016.
"Humidity levels have been rising but we could see some scattered showers and thunderstorms in the West over the weekend."
Dale added that Britons could continue to see Saharan dust over the coming days, as it remains in the atmosphere around the UK.
According to the Met Office, the elevated Saharan dust plume is passing north east through Britain.
The murky matter is a mixture of sand and dust from the Sahara which whips up into the sky following strong windy conditions over deserts.
If the winds in the upper part of the atmosphere are blowing north, the dust can be carried as far as the UK.
A film of dust and sand have been spotted on vehicles, windscreens and windows across the Midlands following sand showers overnight
PA
A warning has been issued to those who suffer with asthma and other breathing difficulties as the dust and air pollution can pose a higher risk.
Dale said Britons should expect hot temperatures and could see back-to-back “tropical nights” - where nighttime temperatures in England do not drop below 20C.
He added: "We might see some tropical nights and for many it has been insufferable.
"The next major rain event is expected to be Wednesday but this weekend could see some scattered showers in some parts in the UK."