A plume of Saharan dust is expected to sweep over some parts of the UK later this week.
Experts at the European Union's Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) say that a ‘large plume’ is expected to descend on large parts of the Iberian Peninsula and western Europe over May 20 and 21.
A map of the continent shows that the south east of England is expected to see the worst of the conditions - with some areas of Scotland potentially seeing some of the Saharan dust.
It comes as forecasters say that higher than usual levels of dust will sweep in from the Mediterranean and into parts of Europe.
Senior Scientist, Mark Parrington, at the ECMWF Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service comments: “The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service positions itself in the discussion of how atmospheric composition is changing as CAMS’ information is based on near-real-time satellite and in situ observations for reliable air quality forecasts so that users are able to track the dust transport and know, for example, when areas are experiencing exceptionally poor air quality.”
The Mirror reports that this could lead to so-called ‘blood rain’ in the UK on Friday.
Mr Parrington went on to tell the Daily Mail: “Most of the dust transport is likely to be at higher altitudes which could lead to hazy skies rather than impact on surface air quality.
"It may also be mixed with some rain, which is also forecast for Friday, so there could be surface deposits on cars after the rain has cleared.”
Blood rain is caused from when red-coloured dust gets mixed into rain, giving it a red appearance.
The forecast come as Scotland goes through a period rainy yet humid conditions.
A band of heavy downpours is expected to sweep westwards across Scotland later on this evening.
Rain is forecast to clear on Wednesday, according to the Met Office.
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