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| An archived image circulating on social media shows bloody rain. |
Brits are bracing for terrifying "blood rain" in the coming days.
Brits are expecting terrifying "blood rain" in the next few days, while meteorological services have attempted to warn of it, mitigate its severity, and reassure the public.
According to local authorities in Britain, a cloud of reddish desert dust originating from Europe will sweep across the country, resulting in what scientists call "blood rain"—dust-red rain that appears to be contaminated with blood.
A report published by the British newspaper "Daily Mail," and reviewed by Al Arabiya Net, quoted the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) as saying that Britain is about to experience bloody rain. The report attributed this to a cloud of reddish desert dust sweeping across Europe and heading towards Britain.
When this dust mixes with the persistent rain in Britain, the precipitation will take on a distinctive reddish hue, creating a phenomenon known as "blood rain." Despite its alarming appearance, experts say there is no cause for alarm about this sudden change. The most likely outcome is a thin layer of dust that remains on cars and exposed surfaces after the rain dries.
"Our latest forecasts indicate that this storm will mostly pass over southern England and the English Channel at high altitudes in the atmosphere, but it could produce moist ground-level precipitation if it mixes with other weather forecasts predicting rain," said Mark Parrington, senior scientist at the Centre for Atmospheric and Oceanographic Monitoring (CAMS).
CAMS is tracking the large aerosol cloud as it crosses the North Atlantic. The cloud is composed mostly of dust from the Sahara Desert, with some smoke from seasonal biomass burning in tropical Africa.
As in other parts of the world, strong winds can blow across deserts, stirring up dust and sand high into the sky. If the winds in the upper atmosphere blow northward, the dust could reach Britain. Once lifted from the Earth's surface by strong winds, the dust clouds can reach great heights and travel around the world, covering thousands of miles. While this may sound alarming, Barrington reassures people that this phenomenon occurs frequently.
"Large flows of aerosols into the North Atlantic are not uncommon at this time of year," Barrington explained. "Seasonal biomass fires in tropical Africa typically peak between January and March, and the Kalima winds carry Saharan dust over the ocean."
"The intensity of this particular event is noteworthy," he added. "Our forecasts indicate that a cloud of aerosols will reach northwestern Europe." According to the Met Office, the dust is likely to reach Britain next Tuesday, where it will combine with rain to create what is known as "blood rain." Barrington said, "It looks like it will pass through in about two hours on Tuesday afternoon."
He added: “Our latest forecast extends until the end of Tuesday, but there are some indications that more aerosols could cross southern England on Wednesday.”
Besides the red rain, the dust could also cause the sky to turn red. Barrington said: “An aerosol optical depth value of 1 usually indicates a hazy sky, and the values in the smoke plume are relatively high.” He added: “So, this could result in a more reddish/orange sky during Tuesday evening.”
While the red sky and heavy rain might seem apocalyptic, the only likely lasting impact will be on cars. Some of the material could settle on the ground, potentially leaving dust on cars and windows as they drive by, Barrington confirmed.
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