Brits warned to protect their cars as ‘blood rain’ hits the UK
Don't bother getting your car washed to start the new week off, as you may as well wait for the 'blood rain' to pass instead of throwing your money down the drain.
The dreaded Saharan dust is set to swoop in today (29 January) and temporarily stain our motors with thick, reddish-brown particles that can prove a right pain to get rid of.
The rusty-looking powder is set to sprinkle our cars and could potentially affect air quality as the wet weather rolls in across the UK, hence the name 'blood rain'.
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A Saharan dust plume is inbound from 4,000km away following recent 'dust storms' in Africa, which is a common occurrence during 'The Harmattan' season, which lasts from November until mid March.
The Met Office explained: "As in other parts of the world, the wind can blow strongly over deserts - whipping up dust and sand high into the sky.
"If the winds in the upper part of the atmosphere are blowing north, the dust can be carried as far as the UK.
"Once it is lifted from the ground by strong winds, clouds of dust can reach very high altitudes and be transported worldwide, covering thousands of miles.
"In order for the dust to get from up in the sky down to the ground, you need something to wash it out of the sky - rain.
"As raindrops fall, they collect particles of dust on the way down. Then when the raindrops land on something and eventually evaporate, they leave behind a layer of dust."
Which is why we all might wake up to see our cars blanketed in the orange dust and notice that the temperature has increased just a little bit - so you can start to leave the multiple layers of clothing at home.
Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said: "Saharan dust is being drawn north to affect the UK in the coming days, following recent dust storms in north Africa.
"You might want to hold off washing the car just yet. And watch out for some colourful sunrise and sunsets."
It has also been recommended to cover cars while they're parked up to reduce the impact of the dust.
Europe will benefit from the high pressure and southerly winds this week, as they will continue to bring warm weather and above average temperatures to the continent.
It comes after the UK just recorded its hottest ever day in January after the mercury hit 19.6C in the village of Kinlochewe in the Scottish Highlands, beating the previous record set in 2003 which stood at 18.3C.
Strong southerly winds are bringing in mild air, making conditions noticeably warmer for Brits.
Olivia Burke