Home / Editor's Pick /

Amidst a mild January: Saharan dust in the air

02:00 PM
January 29, 2024

British red sky ahead
Saharan dust in the air

AQISaharan dust can be tracked with Air Quality Index maps.

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.

Settings for external content

Privacy policy
NOAA Satellite

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.

Weather & Radar USA editorial team
More on the topic
shutterstock-4th of July
Friday, July 4, 2025

249 years ago weather!

July 4, 1776 weather history
Stonehenge during the June 2020 summer solstice.
Friday, June 20, 2025

Longest day of the year

Today marks the summer solstice
Waterspouts weatherradar.
Monday, May 26, 2025

They can be dangerous

Waterspouts possible, what are they?
All weather news
This might also interest you
Track hurricanes & tropical storms on the Weather & Radar app!
Sunday, July 6, 2025

Hurricane season

Track hurricanes on the app
tropical storm
Saturday, July 5, 2025

Hurricane Season

How do Tropical Storms form?
Sunday, July 6, 2025

Tropical Storm Chantal

Carolina's heavy rains, flood risk
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.com

instagramfacebookthreadsContact uslinkList
Privacy policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement