Met Office monitoring sulphur dioxide cloud spreading across UK after Icelandic volcano eruption

Piers Mucklejohn & PA

25 August 2024 at 5:00 pm·1-min read

A general view of a volcano erupting — -Credit: (Image: Getty Images)

The Met Office has been keeping a watchful eye on a cloud of sulphur dioxide that drifted over the UK following a volcanic eruption in Iceland.

The gas "plume" began its journey over Britain early Sunday and has since moved on to the south-east. Originating from an Icelandic volcano and dispersed high in the atmosphere, the forecaster assured it should have minimal effect at ground level.

Sulphur dioxide, a colourless yet pungent gas often emitted during coal burning and other industrial activities, can cause throat irritation and gastrointestinal discomfort if inhaled in large amounts.

Nonetheless, the Met Office has confirmed only "small concentrations" of this substance are present in the UK, suggesting air pollution levels should stay low. A spokesperson for the Met Office clarified: "A sulphur dioxide plume which originated from the volcano in Iceland has been crossing the UK high up in the atmosphere and will soon clear to the south-east."

They further commented on the low impact, stating: "Impacts have been low from this sulphur dioxide, as it is high in the atmosphere and is having little influence on ground-level air quality."

Reassuring the public, they added: "Small concentrations at surface level mean that the air pollution levels remain low."

"Air pollution is currently low and expected to remain that way for the whole of the UK today."

"We're continuing to monitor any sulphur dioxide release originating from Iceland, with current forecasts suggesting little influence on UK surface air pollution in the coming days."

A volcano in south-western Iceland erupted for the sixth time since December on Thursday, spewing red lava and accompanied by strong earthquakes.

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