Iberian fires and Sahara dust turn sun red in the UK

THE UNUSUAL phenomenon of a red sun was seen across the UK today and the deadly wildfires burning across northern Spain and Portugal were partly to blame.

Saharan dust drawn in by Hurricane Ophelia also contributed to the effect.

Street lights were turned on in some areas in the middle of the day as the sun was partially blocked out.

The Met Office said the red sun is caused by winds pulling up Saharan dust. This dust is then reflected and refracted in longer wavelengths, giving a red appearance to the sky.

#Ophelia has drawn Saharan dust north to the UK, making the sun appear red this morning. Photo credit: Kelly Norris https://t.co/2qMvYSQjLQ pic.twitter.com/7dioN4vj61

— Met Office (@metoffice) October 16, 2017