Ireland is set for an ultra rare weather event this weekend, as Saharan dust drifts towards the country, potentially affecting the skies.
Sky with reddish tones due to the arrival of Saharan dust, on 14 March, 2022 in Murcia, Spain(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
Ireland is set to experience an ultra rare weather phenomenon this weekend as dust from the Saharan desert drifts from North Africa, potentially turning our skies fiery red.
Satellite images show huge amounts of Saharan dust moving northwards across Europe towards Ireland. This could create vibrant reddish-orange sunrises and sunsets, as well as leave a layer of dust on cars and windows. Experts advise holding off on washing cars or windows until next week.
Meteorologist Alex Deakin from the UK’s Met Office explained: “This area of low pressure will bring heavy rain to the east of Spain, but what it’s also doing is stirring up the Sahara. So the dust is moving around this low and wafting up on southerly winds which may make your sunrise a little more orangey and atmospheric on Saturday morning.”
The forecaster also shared a weather map of the dust, writing: “Look closely and you can spot some Saharan dust on the satellite images that is now drifting towards southern parts of the UK. This is likely to cause some hazier skies in our weather this weekend.”
This unusual event could also lead to so-called ‘blood rain’. When the dust is washed out of the sky by rain, it can leave a reddish residue, creating ‘blood rain’.
Saharan dust cloud to bring vibrant sunsets and ‘blood rain’ to Ireland(Image: NASA Worldview)
Met Eireann has forecast rain this weekend. It says Ireland can expect isolated light showers on Saturday, followed by more persistent downpours on Sunday.
According to the Met Office: “Blood rain is not actually a meteorological or scientific term – instead it’s a colloquial phrase which can be found going a fair way back in history.
“The forces that drive our weather can be quite powerful and do some surprising things – including lifting things like sand or even small objects and transporting them large distances.
“In the case of blood rain, strong winds or storms can whip up dust and sand. As this becomes airborne it can get caught up in atmospheric circulation, where it can be carried for thousands of miles.
“Eventually the dust will either fall out of the sky due to gravity or will be caught up in rain clouds, where it mixes with the water droplets. When these fall as rain the raindrops could appear red.”
Saharan dust is headed for Ireland
In general, Ireland can expect a dry start to the weekend before it turns unsettled once again, with bands of rain moving in from the Atlantic.
Giving a day by day breakdown of what to expect, the national forecaster said: “Another largely dry day Saturday with spells of sunshine, though isolated light showers will drift up from the south. Highest temperatures of 9C to 12C in light to moderate southerly winds, fresher on Atlantic coasts.
“A dry and clear night at first Saturday. Cloud will thicken from the southeast overnight, bringing a few patches of light rain and drizzle to southern and eastern coasts by morning. Lowest temperatures of -1C to 4C generally, though it will be milder in Atlantic coastal regions, in light to moderate southeast winds.
“A largely cloudy start on Sunday with just a few sunny spells and the odd patch of light rain and drizzle in the south and east. More persistent rain will develop across the western half of the country through the day. Highest temperatures of 8C to 12C in moderate southerly winds.
“Cloudy Sunday night with outbreaks of rain and drizzle spreading eastwards across the country. Lowest temperatures of 2C to 6C in a light westerly or variable breeze.
“A dull and damp start to the day Monday with patches of light rain and drizzle lingering. Sunny spells will develop through the afternoon as the rain and drizzle ease. Highest temperatures of 8C to 11C in a light west to northwest breeze.
“Rather wet and blustery on Tuesday with outbreaks of rain and drizzle, turning heavier in the west and southwest later, in fresh southwest winds. Highest temperatures of 9C to 12C.
“Looking further ahead, low pressure will remain dominant, bringing further wet and windy conditions at times for the latter half of the week.”
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