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Drivers in Wales woke up this morning to find their cars covered in a strange substance - Saharan dust.

A Saharan dust cloud, which is currently covering the country, has been leaving people struggling for breath as well.

Saharan dust is a mixture of sand and dust from the Sahara, the vast desert area that covers most of North Africa.

According to the MET office, strong winds in the south have brought the dust from the African desert over the last week, reaching the British Isles today.

Forecaster Bonnie Diamond said: "Dust from the Sahara has been carried across the UK from a south easterly direction.

"It's not uncommon for Saharan dust to reach the UK. How that can affect us is it can cause sunrises and sunsets to look red."

(Image: Adrian White)

Wind can blow strongly over deserts, whipping up dust and sand high into the sky. If the winds in the upper part of the atmosphere are blowing north, the dust can be carried as far as the UK, explains the MET office.

Once it is lifted from the ground by strong winds, clouds of dust can reach very high altitudes and be transported worldwide, covering thousands of miles.

This morning, cars across Wales were covered in the substance.

Meanwhile, health experts have warned that the Saharan dust could pose a risk to people with asthma as it blanketed the sky, T he Mirror reports.

Those with respiratory problems are urged to stay indoors and be aware that the weather situation could worsen their symptoms, such as shortness of breath and wheezing.

Find out more about Saharan dust:

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Dr Andy Whittamore, clinical lead at Asthma UK, told The Mirror: "Saharan dust could post a serious risk to the 5.4million people in the UK with asthma.

"Toxic air can leave people struggling for breath and can cause wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and even a life-threatening asthma attack.

"People with asthma must make sure they carry their reliever inhaler (usually blue) with them at all times in case their symptoms worsen."