Smog danger fear as Sahara dust blows in
A health alert was issued today as air pollution was expected to rise to dangerous levels – with dust blowing in from the Sahara blamed for the problem.
Smog has moved in across large parts of the country, sparking serious health concerns, and it feared the Midlands could be among the worst affected areas.
The Government says a pollution cloud swept into the country last night and could prove dangerous for people with serious heart and lung issues.
It is thought the Midlands and the south could be the worst affected, with some areas hitting the highest possible level of 10 on the official warning scale.
It comes as forecasters predict today could be the hottest day of the year so far.
Saharan dust is said to be partly to blame for the air pollution problem, which is being billed as the worst to hit Britain since The Great Smog of 1952.
The dust has been raining down on parts of the country over the past few days, with many people reporting seeing their cars covered in a light red dust.
Strong winds in North Africa cause the desert sand to sweep up through the country if the gusts are blowing in the right direction.
There have been reports of Sahara dust on cars and homes in parts of Staffordshire including Tamworth and also in Bewdley. Smog was also seen in Wolverhampton this morning.
People across the country have been told to brace themselves for high levels of pollution.
Defra is warning people not to do strenuous exercise outdoors and to stop immediately if they suffer from a cough, sore throat or a feel short of breath.
Asthma sufferers, people with lung problems and pensioners are warned to avoid physical activity altogether today.
A spokeswoman for Defra said: "The high level of air pollution this week is due to a combination of local emissions, light winds, pollution from the continent and dust blown over from the Sahara."
It is expected to continue tomorrow but should lift by Friday.
Today is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures in some part of the country expected to hit 20.9C (69F), forecasters say.
In the West Midlands, the Met Office is expecting highs of 16C (60F).
Sunday was the hottest day of the year before that.
Rain is expected to move in tomorrow and will be cooler on Friday but the weekend is expected to be fine.
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