UK Records Hottest Day of 2026 as Saharan Dust Promises Spectacular Sunset
Forecasters have confirmed that Thursday, 5 March 2026, is the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching a record high of 19.2 degrees Celsius in Northolt, located in west London. This new peak surpasses the previous 2026 record of 18.7C set at nearby Kew Gardens just last week, according to data from the Met Office.
Saharan Dust Brings 'Blood Rain' and Stunning Sunsets
Meanwhile, scientists are anticipating a spectacular sunset this evening across much of the country, driven by dust from the Saharan desert. Warm winds are blowing this fine sand across Europe towards the UK, where it interacts with rainfall to create a phenomenon known as "blood rain." This occurs when the dust mixes with downpours, leaving a reddish-brown film on surfaces like cars.
Weather expert Claire Ryder, a professor at the University of Reading, explained to the Press Association that the dust will produce the best sunsets in eastern England. "The peak dust concentration is going to get much more severe through the night and into tomorrow," she said. "Tomorrow, skies will be less visible as it is more cloudy, so the best chance to see a great sunset is this evening."
Experts Clarify the 'Blood Rain' Phenomenon
Jim Dale, senior meteorological observer at British Weather Services, added context to the dramatic term. "Blood rain is a dramatic title. There is no blood involved at all; it is the colour," he noted. "Saharan dust is very fine sand particles off the Sahara desert which get lifted by the wind. The dust of the sand comes down, joins with raindrops, and it leaves a film of sand or dust that is red/brown coloured on surfaces such as cars."
A Met Office spokesperson highlighted that the London area is expected to be the warmest part of the country today, with temperatures widely in the high teens. However, the warm spell is set to be short-lived.
Weekend Forecast: Cooler Temperatures and Mixed Conditions
Looking ahead, clouds are forecast to cover much of England and Wales on Friday, while Ireland and Scotland should enjoy sunny weather. Temperatures will drop significantly, falling to around 11C to 12C across England and Wales.
The weekend will bring a mix of patchy cloud and some sunshine. High temperatures are predicted to reach 12C to 13C on Saturday and 14C on Sunday, offering a cooler but still pleasant end to the week. This weather pattern underscores the variability of early spring conditions in the UK, blending record warmth with incoming cooler air and unique atmospheric events.
