Toxic fog known as BLOOD RAIN set to sweep across Britain

Sahara dust cloud to hit Britain on Thursday prompting toxic smog alert


Health experts have issued emergency warnings to people with asthma and other conditions to stay indoors and avoid exercise


A smog alert has been issued for parts of the UK.

A cloud of dust from the Sahara will hit Britain on Thursday.

Southern and central England will be affected, with eastern areas worst hit.

The Department for Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs (Defra) has issued alerts across southern and central England.

A level-8 red warning is in place for eastern regions with toxic fog and dust threatening to engulf the region.

Health experts have issued emergency warnings to people with asthma and other conditions to stay indoors and avoid exercise.

Asthma UK warned of a "perfect storm" of conditions as Britain prepares for a blast of hot air to send thermometers to 17C.

Director of Advice Andrew Proctor said: "People with asthma need to take extra care.

"We are facing a perfect storm of asthma triggers, with air pollution and weather changes increasing the risk of potentially fatal asthma attacks for millions of people with the condition.

"Two thirds of people with asthma find that air pollution makes their asthma worse, and even more tell us that changes in the winter weather can trigger asthma attacks.

"If air pollution or cold weather makes your asthma worse, do check forecasts and carry your reliever inhaler with you at all times."

It comes as Britain basks in a freakish mid-winter hot spell as forecasters say we could be heading for the mildest Christmas on record.

Thermometers are set to rocket to 17C widely with even Scotland and the north seeing highs of 13C this week.

A swathe of warm air from the south is poised to blast across the country triggering torrential downpours and storms.

-mirror.co.uk