Cars across Somerset covered in layer of Saharan dust

The phenomenon saw a mixture of sand and dust carried from the Sahara desert in northern Africa across Europe and as far as the UK.

The Met Office shared satellite pictures on Wednesday that showed clouds of dust approaching the UK from the east.

👀 Have you noticed a hazy look to the sky today?

In some places this was due to Saharan dust - as seen here from space earlier today⬇️ pic.twitter.com/4id8Tm3QjR

— Met Office (@metoffice) September 6, 2023

This caused hazy skies across the country last night and meant drivers found their cars “covered in dust” this morning. 

Drivers from Taunton, Wellington, Bridgwater and Burnham-on-Sea have all reported their cars being affected, with one saying the Sainsbury's car wash at Hankridge Farm in the county town has been “very busy” this morning. 

A fine layer of Saharan dust on a car roof near Wellington. (Image: Newsquest)

Describing the cause, the Met Office website says: “Once it is lifted from the ground by strong winds, clouds of dust can reach very high altitudes and be transported worldwide, covering thousands of miles.

“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.

“In certain weather situations, Saharan dust can also affect air pollution and pollution levels.”