London on alert amid warning of another Saharan dust cloud

Saharan dust warning: Defra said the alert was caused by unusual weather

London was today put on alert for a new Saharan dust cloud sweeping over the city.

The Department for Environment (Defra) said Britain could be affected by high or moderate pollution on Thursday due to the highly unusual weather.

If a “high” level is reached, people experiencing discomfort, such as sore eyes, a cough or sore throat, are advised to consider reducing physical activity.

Individuals with health problems, including lung and heart conditions, and older people should cut back on physical exertion.

In its outlook forecast, Defra said: “There is a risk of Moderate or High levels of air pollution across parts of southern and eastern England on Thursday due to Saharan dust, although large uncertainties remain as dust has yet to be observed lifting into the atmosphere from the likely source region in west Africa.”

Air pollution is then predicted to return to low on Friday, but may become moderate over parts of England and Wales during Saturday.

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