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Saharan sand coats the UK in dust as health warnings issued to asthma sufferers

'A large amount of sand and dust was swept up by storm winds in the desert, around 2000 miles away in northwest Africa'

Saharan sand coats the UK in dust as health warnings issued to asthma sufferers

Drivers across the UK have been waking up to a layer of red dust coating their cars - thanks to a spell of Saharan weather.

The unusual phenomenon is due to storm winds from the Saharan desert blowing dust and sand to Britain.

The Met Office said: 'A large amount of sand and dust was swept up by storm winds in the desert, around 2000 miles away in northwest Africa.

 

'The airborne particles were blown north to the UK where they combined with our warm air and were deposited during showers.'

Paul Hutcheon at the Met Office said: 'We usually see this happen several times a year when big dust storms in the Sahara coincide with southerly winds to bring that dust here. More dust rain is possible during showers expected later this week.'

The dust is unlike that which fell from the Icelandic volanic ash cloud in 2010, causing chaos in Europe as many flights were cancelled due to safety fears.

Although no travel disruption is expected the combination of the Saharan dust and high levels of pollution have led to health concerns for adults and children with lung and heart problems.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) warned they, including the elderly, should avoid physical activity.

And asthma sufferers have been advised they may need to use their inhalers more often.

The dust will contribute to one of the severest smogs of the year expected later this week - with London and the South East to be the worst hit.

But the red dust does have a silver lining - it can lead to spectacular sunsets.