UK Warning Issued After Skies Turn Orange In Spain

Although the weather conditions have made for a great photo opportunity, a number of regions have suffered poor air quality and the people living in the impacted regions woke up to red dust covering their homes, streets and cars.

She said: "There has been very poor air quality today in parts of Spain, and it could well affect us in the southeast and East Anglia on Wednesday [16 March].

“So if you wake up on Wednesday and your car is covered in orange dust, you’ll know where it comes from and why.”

The air quality index for certain parts of central and northern Spain range from being listed as ‘Unhealthy’ to ‘Hazardous’, the latter of which is the lowest rating. 

The Climatology Laboratory research unit at the University of Alicante continues to keep people updated on the situation in Spain, while also issuing the following suggestions to those living in areas impacted by the dust. 

“We also do not recommend long-term outdoor activities.”

Amid a previous Saharan dust cloud, Dr Andy Whittamore, clinical lead at Asthma UK, described how this weather condition can be particularly troubling for asthma sufferers. 

“Toxic air can leave people struggling for breath and can cause wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and even a life-threatening asthma attack.

“People with asthma must make sure they carry their reliever inhaler (usually blue) with them at all times in case their symptoms worsen. 

“We also advise people with asthma to continue to manage their condition with their preventer inhaler (usually brown) as this will help to reduce the inflammation in their airways and make them less likely to react to asthma triggers.”