So-called “blood rain” could fall across the UK as dust picked up from the Sahara Desert spread across Europe and tint the skies into many bright colours from gold to deep orange
Brits are set to be lashed with “blood rain” as a Saharan dust cloud sweeps over the country – but how does it form?
Dust whipped up over the Sahara Desert is riding on warm air drifting across Europe and is bound for the UK. It is expected to tint the skies vibrant shades of deep orange and gold in the coming days.
Another phenomenon that is also expected is so-called “blood rain.” The phenomenon occurs when dust mixes with rain that, in turn, gives water a reddish colour and is particularly visible when it falls on windows, garden furniture and other outdoor items.
READ MORE: Saharan dust cloud to turn UK skies ORANGE before ‘blood rain’ – all you need to knowREAD MORE: Exact locations where temperatures will top 19C today in UK spring sizzle
While “blood rain” evokes a sinister phenomenon, the Met Office said it is not a scientific phrase, nor does it describe a clearly defined meteorological event. It added: “For rain to appear red, relatively high concentrations of red‑coloured particles must mix with the water droplets in the cloud.
“Typically, these particles are sand or dust rich in iron oxides, giving them their characteristic colour. When rainfall occurs while these particles are suspended in the atmosphere, the droplets can take on that tint.”
The Met Office noted genuine red rain is “extremely rare.” While dust rain is not uncommon, the concentration of the particles are typically seen when it leaves behind dust after it dries.
In its forecast, the Met Office said today the combination of a moist south-westerly airflow and a broad dust plume could lead to some dust settling out with the rain.
It added: “At this stage, concentrations are expected to remain relatively low, meaning rainfall itself is unlikely to appear noticeably red. Instead, where dust mixes in, the impact is more likely to be seen after showers have passed, with a light film of yellowish or brownish residue on surfaces.
“For those in the southwest, the timing of the rainfall will be a key factor. Overnight showers or early‑morning rain on Thursday could leave dust deposits by dawn. Elsewhere across the UK, dust levels are currently forecast to remain even lower, with largely unremarkable rainfall expected.”
Thankfully, there is no concern from a health perspective for the levels in the UK. Those with respiratory sensitivity might notice a slight increase in airborne particles before rainfall clears the atmosphere.