9 hours ago
How to check the air quality near you before Saharan dust sweeps the UK
From the hottest spring on record to droughts and so-called rain bombs, it's already been an unusual year in the world of weather. Now, Saharan dust (fine particles blown from the Sahara desert in North Africa) is expected to sweep across the UK later this week, thanks to winds pushing particles high into our atmosphere.
The weather warning, flagged by BBC Weather's Carol Kirkwood on X this morning, is a timely reminder to check the air quality where you live – especially if you have allergies or a lung condition.
Kirkwood said the dust could be visible from Wednesday to Friday and possibly noticeable on your car. But aside from car-washing woes, these dust clouds can impact our health.
When the air is heavy with pollution – whether from traffic, pollen or Saharan dust – it can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing and breathlessness, particularly in people with asthma or other respiratory issues.
"Fine particles in dust clouds can irritate inflamed airways," explains Karen Spillett, deputy head of health advice at Asthma and Lung UK.
"If you have a lung condition, you may already have some inflammation in your airways, and those particles can make things worse, especially if you're outside and breathing them in."
Saharan dust can be carried over to the UK on high winds, causing poor air quality and leading to health alerts for people with respiratory issues. "It's the same advice we give on high pollen days," she adds.
"Take your preventer medication every day as prescribed, and make sure you have your reliever inhaler with you when you're out and about."
She also recommends having a self-management plan in place. "It helps you know what steps to take when your symptoms get worse, and when to seek help."
Cities, unsurprisingly, top the list. More traffic, more people, and more industrial activity mean more pollution. But that doesn't mean the countryside is immune. Farming practices, construction, wood-burning stoves, and even coal fires all contribute to air pollution. Rural areas can also see higher ozone levels, especially in warmer months.
"If you're travelling along busy main roads, you're exposed to more pollution every day," says Spillett. Even your regular commuting route can make a difference.
The weather plays a big role, too. Pollution tends to build up on still, sunny days when there's little wind to disperse it.
"Hot, heavy air makes it harder to breathe, especially if there are added particles from something like Saharan dust," she adds. "It's like extra pollution in the mix, and it can push some people over the edge symptom-wise."
If Saharan dust or traffic fumes are ramping up the pollution index, Allergy UK says there are practical ways to protect yourself:
Stay indoors when you can, especially during peak pollution hours or on very hot, still days.
Keep windows and doors shut to stop particles entering your home.
Avoid main roads when walking or cycling; stick to quieter side streets if possible.
Use recirculated air in the car, particularly in slow-moving traffic.
Exercise early, when the air quality tends to be better.
Shower after spending time outside to rinse off pollen and pollutants.
Use antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays as advised.
Choose exercise routes away from heavy traffic or industrial zones.
Avoid mowing the lawn or gardening during high pollen or pollution days.
If you have asthma or a lung condition, always carry your reliever inhaler, Spillett adds. If you notice you're using it more than usual, follow your action plan or check in with your GP.
While masks became second nature during the pandemic, they're not a one-size-fits-all solution for pollution. Some specialist masks with charcoal filters can reduce your exposure to traffic-related gases like nitrogen dioxide.
But they still don't block the tiniest, most harmful particles that can get deep into your lungs.
Plus, many people with respiratory issues find masks harder to breathe through. So it's usually better to focus on avoidance and preparation.
The good news? It's easy to keep an eye on what you're breathing. Use the following:
Defra's Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI): Check pollution forecasts at or call 0800 55 66 77.
airText: Free text alerts for Greater London, Chelmsford, Colchester and Cambridge.
City Air app: Sends email alerts specifically for London residents.
London Air: Monitors pollution levels across London, with a handy mobile app.
airAlert: Offers free alerts for Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Sevenoaks.
Many weather apps now include air quality information, and Asthma and Lung UK recommends checking this daily during high-risk periods.
Finally, if you're ever unsure about symptoms or you're struggling to breathe, call NHS 111 or speak to your GP.
If you want to chat things through, Asthma and Lung UK has a free nurse-led helpline on 0300 222 5800.
Read more about weather:
How hot it could get this summer as Met Office issues heatwave warning (Yahoo UK News, 4-min read)
How climate change is making our health worse (Yahoo UK News, 4-min read)
Only seven countries met WHO air quality standards in 2024, data shows (Reuters, 2-min read)
