The Met Office has released a satellite image showing a cloud of Saharan dust particles hovering over the UK today.
Many Britons may have already noticed that the skies appear somewhat hazier than usual, as strong winds across the Sahara have driven the dust particles to blow northwards to the UK.
The dust plumes are accompanied by "blood rain" which is a mixture made up of sand and dust from the North African desert region.
This phenomenon is actually quite common, occurring several times a year when Saharan dust travels over to the UK, although these dust clouds can pose significant health risks for people living with lung conditions such as asthma.
The Met Office has today released a satellite image showing a cloud of Saharan dust particles hovering over the UK
Met Office
The fine dust particles act as irritants, potentially leaving vulnerable individuals struggling to breathe (Stock)
PA
The fine dust particles act as irritants, potentially leaving vulnerable individuals struggling to breathe.
As a result, many experience some wheezing and coughing as their respiratory systems react to the airborne particles.
Deputy head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK Karen Spillett has advised people with lung conditions to exercise caution during this weather event.
"Fine particles in the air can leave you struggling for breath, and at increased risk of asthma attacks and flare-ups of other lung conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease," she warned.
"If the Saharan dust cloud does reach the UK, people with lung conditions should be extra cautious and stay indoors," she advised.
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She recommended keeping windows and doors shut where possible and carrying reliever inhalers when going outside.
"Ensure you take your preventer medication every day as prescribed, follow your asthma action plan and know what to do if you have an asthma attack or flare-up," Spillett said.
Met Office meteorologist Nicola Maxey said that while air quality could be affected by the dust cloud, it was unlikely to have much of an impact.
"It happens a number of times a year. It's actually relatively common," Maxey told The Sun.
A combination of winds blowing in the direction of the UK and the right amount of rainfall is needed for the phenomenon to be visible (Stock)
PA
A combination of winds blowing in the direction of the UK and the right amount of rainfall is needed for the phenomenon to be visible.
Some rain helps bring the dust to land although precipitation which is too heavy simply washes it away, which explains why many Britons only notice the dust's effects on occasion.
The dust clouds are made up of a mixture of sand and dust from the North African desert - grains of which can be picked up and swirled high into the sky and upper atmosphere.
From there, it can be transported anywhere across the globe and can be brought down to the earth's surface by rain showers.
