This morning in Warrington, a surprising number of people discovered their cars had become dirty overnight. If you’re wondering how that happened, the answer might surprise you: the grime has traveled all the way from North Africa.
How did saharan dust reach Warrington?
When wind patterns in the upper atmosphere align just right, Saharan Dust from the expansive desert region can be carried to locations as distant as the UK.
According to the Met Office, the particles of desert dust can ascend high into the atmosphere and be transported over large distances, including the thousands of miles between the Sahara and Warrington. For the dust to settle, however, it needs a trigger: rain. And after enjoying a dry spell this week, we finally got a bit of that quintessential Warrington drizzle today.
The Met Office explains that raindrops capture particles of dust as they fall. When the raindrops eventually land and evaporate, they leave behind a layer of dust. Saharan dust occurrences are not rare in the UK, often happening several times a year when large dust storms in the Sahara intersect with certain wind patterns.
While it’s not an immediate concern, giving your car a thorough wash might be a good idea. A quick trip through the car wash on your way back from work should suffice for most.
Recommended Cleaning Steps
For those looking to take a more specialised approach to cleaning, automotive experts have a few tips. Instead of immediately wiping off the dust, consider a rinse-off method. Start with a pre-wash like Citrus Blend to help loosen the particles, followed by a foam soak using a product like Palate Cleanser. To ensure a thorough cleaning, a second round of foam soak might be beneficial before proceeding with your standard wash routine.
So, next time you see your car covered in an unexpected layer of grime, remember: it might just be carrying stories from thousands of miles away.
