Amidst a mild January: Saharan dust in the air

Saharan dust can occasionally be transported northward from the desert to the UK and Ireland and has an impact on our air quality.

Strong winds over North Africa can stir up large amounts of dust, with long-range transport of high concentrations affecting parts of Northern Europe for several days.

On some occasions, like early this week, the dust travels far enough north to make a noticeable impact on the UK and Ireland. With vivid sunsets as sunlight hits the dust, and also a hit to air quality as particulates grow in numbers.

If rain coincides with the dust, there may even be spots of “blood rain”. “Blood rain” is when the Saharan dust is precipitated out of the air and falls to the ground with the raindrops.

A more positive result of the dust in our air are the intense and vivid colors are possible during sunset and sunrise.