Overview
- Fine dust carried from North Africa on southerly winds is crossing the UK, intensifying red and orange hues at sunrise and sunset through Friday.
- Southern England is expected to see the highest concentrations, producing the most noticeable sky effects.
- The dust typically travels high in the atmosphere before filtering down, where particles scatter light and enhance vivid dawn and dusk colours.
- Forecasters report no cause for concern and note a cosmetic soiling risk on vehicles if dust settles.
- Temperatures peaked near 16–17C in parts of the southeast and Norfolk, with a return to average values expected later this week and frost possible by Friday night.