UK to see high levels of air pollution this week

The UK is being warned that this week is likely to bring with it high levels of air pollution. As dust blows across the country from the Sahara, it is likely to increase the levels of particulate pollution experienced across the country. 

Some areas - most notably the Midlands and east England - were heavily affected by dust on Tuesday (April 1st), which is likely to continue today across both England and Wales, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). 

The dust has blown up from the Sahara Desert and is being transported to the UK through a combination of continental air flow and south-easterly winds. It is likely that the dust will cause smoggy conditions, limiting light and visibility in those areas worst affected. Some places throughout the country have also reported dust settling.

A ten-point scale is used by Defra to measure air quality, with one being low risk and ten showing that a high level of air pollution is present. It is expected that the scale will measure a nine or a ten throughout today (Wednesday April 2nd). The scale hit ten on Tuesday in the north-west of Norfolk, but could also reach a high level in the south of the country throughout the day.

Defra has advised: "Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, should reduce strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors, and particularly if they experience symptoms.

"People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. Older people should also reduce physical exertion."

If anyone begins to experience adverse effects due to the dust, such as irritated eyes, sore throat or a cough, Defra suggests that they should decrease their level of activity and reduce the amount of time they are spending outside until the dust clears.

It is thought that the high levels of air pollution should abate by Friday, leading to clearer and cleaner air over the weekend.