Drivers are only just realising why their cars are so dirty this summer – as Brits bask in 30C sunshine
DRIVERS were baffled after discovering their cars covered in dust and dirt amid 30C sunshine.
Some parts of the UK were hit by downpours through the night, but Brits woke up confused after it appeared the rain was “dirty”.
Snaps of cars and grime covered windscreens were shared on social media as motorists tried to solve the mystery.
One penned: “A few minutes of light rain in north wales has left my car covered in dirty spots, they don’t feel or look like sand”
Another surprised driver wrote: “Was the rain last night dirty? My car and others looks like they’ve been doused with coffee water this morning.”
“What’s with this dirty rain, my car looks like I’ve been driving through muddy puddles”, a third agreed.
“Anyone else’s car absolutely filthy this morning or just mine? Did we have dirty rain or what,” added a fourth.
But, there is a simple reason, according to the Met Office.
Saharan dust has been sweeping across the UK amid the hot temperatures this week, with the mercury rising to 32.6C in certain spots.
Stephen Dixon, a Met Office spokesperson, explained to the M.E.N: “Saharan dust has been in the atmosphere around the UK in recent days.
“For some, this has been rained out in early morning showers, which gives this ‘dirty’ look that some people will have noticed on their car this morning.
“The levels of Saharan dust is lower in concentration over the coming days, before moving away early next week.”
When rain falls, it collects the dust particles on the way down.
Hot temperatures evaporate the droplets and a dusty residue is left behind.
These sand clouds have created some stunning pink and orange sunsets across the UK in recent evenings.
However, experts at charity Asthma + Lung UK, have also warned they could trigger asthma attacks or worsen breathing conditions.
This could be as mild as breathlessness and coughing, or in the worst cases, hospitalisation or a fatal attack.
It comes as the Met Office reported the hottest day of the year today, with Brits flocking to beaches and parks to make the most of it.
Forecasters today said 32.6C was recorded in Wisley, Surrey – beating the previous high of 32.2C at Coningsby, Lincs, on June 10.
Met Office meteorologists today confirmed: “After getting very close yesterday, today is provisionally the hottest day of the year so far, with 32.6°C recorded in Wisley.”
Meanwhile, parts of West Yorkshire, Cornwall, Devon and Wales are currently experiencing a heatwave due to the high temperatures, the Met Office added.
People have packed onto Brighton beach, Bournemouth and Southend to soak up the unseasonable sun.
Met Office meteorologist Amy Bokota said: “In total there’s 13 stations that have officially marked it [a heatwave].
“As you go through the next couple of days quite a few extra will be added onto that.
“33C is expected perhaps on Thursday, which is expected to be the peak.
“It will then be 32C right the way until Sunday for some places in the South.”
A heatwave temperature threshold differs from region to region.
In Scotland and the North of England, the threshold is 25C, while most of the Midlands and Birmingham it’s 26C.
London and the South East have the highest threshold at 28C.
The hot conditions are often caused by a jet stream north of the UK.
This heatwave is being driven by tropical storms pushing a high pressure system over the UK, with the jet stream having moved to the north, and bending into what is known as an omega blocking pattern.
While the UK and central Europe have been hit by dry and sunny conditions, Spain and Greece were battered with storms.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen explained: “High pressure is situated to the southeast of the UK, which is bringing more settled conditions and temperatures well above average for the time of year.
“While the highest temperatures are expected in the south, heatwave conditions are likely across much of England and Wales especially, with parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland also likely to see some unseasonably high temperatures.”