UK could see ‘blood rain’, the Met warns

THE UK may see “blood rain” this week as heavy thunderstorms mix with a dust cloud, forecasters say.

Red or orange rain could fall in some parts of the country, as downpours, lightning, strong winds and hail move in.

According to the Met Office, “blood rain” occurs when relatively high concentrations of red coloured dust or particles get mixed with rain, giving it a red appearance as it falls.

A yellow thunderstorm warning was issued from last night to the early hours of today in the south-east, including London, saying people should expect to see disruption to travel.

Richard Miles, of the Met Office, said yesterday: “There are some dust concentrations in the atmosphere above the UK at present which might well be washed out in the rain tonight, but it’s likely to be relatively small amounts on the whole.

“There’s a warning out for thunderstorms for the south-eastern third of England tonight, and a squally cold front will bring wind and sometimes heavy rain to Northern Ireland and north west Scotland this evening.”

The thunderstorms may cause spray and sudden flooding, leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

There may also be delays or cancellations to train and bus services, flooding to homes and businesses, power cuts and damage due to lightning strikes.