‘Blood rain’ Saharan dust cloud headed for UK

Phenomenon last seen in March could turn sky orange with thunderstorms, high winds and downpours

A cloud of Saharan dust could create a blood rain" effect across the UK later this week, as it turns the rain from thunderstorms a shade of red, forecasters have predicted.

Blood rain" occurs when high concentrations of red-coloured dust or particles combine with rain, giving it a red appearance as it falls, according to the Met Office. The red or orange rain is expected in some parts of the UK after moving across Europe, alongside heavy downpours, lightning, strong winds, and hail.