Why the UK sky could turn orange this week as ‘blood rain’ arrives

‘Blood rain’ might sounds like a horrifying apocalyptic event, but don’t worry, it’s nothing of the sort. 

A wave of red dust is being blown over from the Sahara to the UK this week. The dust gets its colour from its high levels of iron oxides and when it mixes with the rain that’s forecast over the next two days, it’ll leave a red layer on surfaces like cars or windows, hence the name ‘blood rain’. 

The plume is predicted to arrive in the UK today (Thursday March 5) and Friday. Keep an eye on the sky in the mornings and evenings – the dust also means that sunrises and sunsets will look particularly fiery, with deeper shades of gold, amber, and burnt orange than normal. 

The Met Office says: ‘This week, Saharan dust is once again being transported northwards across parts of Europe and towards the UK. Current assessments suggest that concentrations will pass close to or just south of the UK, but a brush of dust‑influenced air is likely, particularly affecting southern parts of the country.

‘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.’

It adds that the dust isn’t anything to worry about health-wise. At most, the forecaster says, people with respiratory sensitivities may ‘notice a slight increase in airborne particulates before rainfall clears the atmosphere’. 

The main takeaway? Don’t panic if you wake up to an ominous red coating on your car tomorrow. 

Brighter days are coming! Here’s when British Summer Time officially starts. 

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.