Redbridge cars covered in dust blown from Sahara desert by storms
Saharan dust on a car in Highbury Gardens, Seven Kings. - Credit: Archant
If you woke up on Monday to find your car covered in brown dirt, you’re not alone.
Saharan dust on a car in Highbury Gardens, Seven Kings. - Credit: Archant
Saharan dust whipped up by stormy weather in north west Africa incredibly found its way on to cars across Redbridge.
Southerly winds have caused the phenomenon, which according to the Met Office happens a few times a year.
A spokesman for the forecasters confirmed the dust, which stands out on shiny surfaces as a thin film or muddy blotches, would be seen in London.
“This is something that happens a fair few times a year,” he added.
“We see dust from the Sahara whipped up by stormy winds, carried by the clouds and dropped when it rains.”
Many residents took pictures of the unexpected muck on their cars and windows.
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On Facebook, Suzanne Batey said it had covered her husband’s car in Ilford.
She wrote: “I wondered what it was, thought I’d been in a mud storm.
“It was so bad, I actually cleaned the car this morning and that is unheard of for me.”
The dust triggered a smog warning for Tuesday and Wednesday in the capital as it contributed to pollution levels.
