According to the report, a large layer of red dust rising from the Sahara Desert is moving towards the UK through Europe.

When this dust mixes with ongoing rain, the rainfall may appear red, a phenomenon commonly referred to as blood rain.

Mark Parrington, a senior scientist at the European Environment Agency, said the red sand will mostly pass over southern England at high altitudes.

He said that despite its appearance, the phenomenon is not expected to pose a risk to human health and may only leave a light layer of sand on vehicles and open surfaces.

Scientists say the event is linked to sand lifted by strong desert winds, which can travel north when upper air currents move in that direction.

The dust can originate from seasonal biomass burning in the equatorial region of Africa.

According to the European Environment Agency report, the red rain is expected on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at noon and could last for about two hours.

The UK Met Office has also confirmed that the rainy season is likely to continue until mid-March 2026.

Experts have stressed that there is no need for concern, as the main impact is expected to be a thin layer of sand on vehicles and exposed surfaces.