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UK records warmest day of the year with temperatures exceeding 18C

The warmer southerly wind is also helping draw up a plume of Saharan dust to the UK which could bring some dramatic, fiery sunsets and sunrises.

The dust from the Sahara has been picked up high into the atmosphere and is carried thousands of miles before gradually filtering down toward the surface.

As the fine particles scatter sunlight, they can enhance reds and oranges at dawn and dusk when conditions are right.

If the dust also combines with spells of rain, it can lead to what is often referred to as “blood rain”, leaving behind a thin, dirty residue on cars, windows and outdoor surfaces.

While it can appear dramatic, this is a relatively common and entirely natural seasonal event in the UK.

Episodes of Saharan dust transport occur several times a year, most often in late winter and spring, when southerly winds draw warm air northwards from north Africa towards the UK.

Look out for some particularly intense colours at dusk later on Wednesday, possibly extending into Thursday and Friday.

Dust concentrations are expected to be highest over southern England.

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