‘Blood Rain’ weather forecast as Saharan dust blows in after hottest day of the year so far
After experiencing the hottest day of the year so far, ‘blood rain’ is forecast for the UK - here’s what causes it…
It might not have taken much - but forecasters confirmed Thursday was the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures hitting more than 19C, as dust from the Sahara desert is set to create stunning sunsets in the UK and could leave your car dirty.
The mercury topped 19.2C in Northolt, west London, according to Met Office experts, surpassing the previous 2026 high of 18.7C, recorded at Kew Gardens last week. It came as conditions - and clear skies - bring spectacular sunsets to much of the country, with dust from the Saharan desert being blown by warm winds across Europe towards the UK, which creates a “blood rain” when it comes into contact with downpours.
Weather expert Claire Ryder, a professor at the University of Reading, said the best sunsets were seen across the east of England. "The peak dust concentration is going to get much more severe through the night and into tomorrow," she said.
"Tomorrow, skies will be less visible as it is more cloudy so the best chance to see a great sunset is this evening."
Jim Dale, senior meteorological observer at British Weather Services, added: “Blood rain is a dramatic title. There is no blood involved at all, it is the colour. Saharan dust is very fine sand particles off the Sahara desert which get lifted by the wind. The dust of the sand comes down, joins with raindrops and it leaves a film of sand or dust that is red/brown coloured on surfaces such as cars."
However, Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has issued a city-wide “high air pollution” alert for today (Friday) - the first of the year - as pollution levels are expected to rise due to a lack of winds to disperse accumulated fumes.
Deputy mayor for environment and energy, Mete Coban, said: "We are urging Londoners to look after themselves in this high pollution period, stop their engines idling, and refrain from burning wood or garden waste – all of which contribute to high levels of pollution. This is particularly important in order to protect the most vulnerable as we continue building a safer and greener London for everyone."
A Met Office spokesperson added: “The London area is expected to be the warmest part of the country today with temperatures in the high teens quite widely.”
Clouds are expected across much of England and Wales on Friday, although Ireland and Scotland should enjoy sunny weather, according to the Met Office.
Temperatures will also drop to around 11C to 12C across England and Wales on Friday. The weekend will be a mix of patchy cloud and some sunshine, with high temperatures of 12C to 13C on Saturday and 14C on Sunday.