Why is my car covered in yellow dust today?

Author: Emma DicksonPublished 8th Sep 2023

As September’s heatwave continues to baffle most of this week, a haze of yellow dust has left many outdoor items like cars and windows covered.

The Met Office explained earlier this week that Saharan dust is “likely to extend across parts of the UK this week”.

What is a Saharan dust cloud?

Saharan dust is a mixture of sand and dust from the Sahara, the vast desert area that covers most of North Africa.

Saharan dust is relatively common in the UK often happening several times a year when big dust storms in the Sahara coincide with southerly wind patterns.

It looks like the warm weather is set to continue into the weekend, with highs of 24°C expected.

Northern Ireland’s five-day forecast:

Today: Areas of mist, fog and low cloud lifting through the morning to leave a mostly dry day with some lengthy spells of sunshine. Chance of an isolated thundery shower this afternoon. Feeling very warm or hot. Maximum temperature 27 °C.

Tonight: Mainly dry tonight with just the odd passing shower. Lengthy clear periods will lead to some mist, fog and areas of low cloud. A warm night. Minimum temperature 15 °C.

Saturday: Overnight mist and low cloud lifting through the morning to leave sunny spells. A few thundery showers breaking out. Another very warm day. Maximum temperature 24 °C.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday: Chance of a few showers on Sunday and Monday, still some warm sunshine possible on Sunday. Much cooler, dry and bright on Tuesday.

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