Parts of northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland should be dusted with Saharan sand.

According to the Met Office, this is due to light winds that lift dust from North Africa and the Mediterranean.

Northern Cumbria is among the areas expected to be the most affected, with southern Scotland and Northern Ireland also in the crosshairs.

A moderate to high warning is currently in place, with air pollution likely to be felt most in urban areas.

Rural northern regions are expected to suffer only from low levels of pollution.

Unusually warm weather conditions in February are expected to continue through Tuesday, with extensive areas of moderate and locally high pollution.

Parts of the UK experienced the hottest February temperatures on record.

Wednesday is expected to see air pollution levels at their highest, with a slight likelihood of an increase in intensity.

Again, urban areas should pay the price, with a low risk of very high localized levels.

Air pollution levels are expected to return to normal lows from Thursday after an influx of westerly winds.

What should I do to prepare?

The Met Office doesn’t expect major changes to daily habits, but people may experience noticeable symptoms depending on their age or medical condition.

With very high air pollution levels, the general population may experience a sore throat or dry throat, sore eyes, or a ticklish cough.

For children with asthma, they may notice an increased use of reliever medications.

Saharan dust is relatively common in the UK, often occurring several times a year when large dust storms in the African desert coincide with southerly winds.