Hurricane Ophelia causes haunting red sun effect across Notts

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The red sun pictured this morning from Cinderhill, Notts. (Photo: Sue Wheldon)

A strange-looking red sun and sky is being reported across parts of Nottinghamshire.

Forecasters say it could be being caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ophelia bringing tropical air and dust from the Sahara desert.

Dust in the air can cause shorter wavelength blue light to be scattered, making the atmosphere appear tinted red.

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Christine Smart took these pictures in Long Eaton this morning.

Met Office forecaster Grahame Madge said: “It’s all connected with Ophelia, on the eastern side of the low pressure system air is coming up in the southern direction,”

“Air is being pulled from southern Europe and Africa and that air contains a lot of dust.

“So it’s most likely the appearance of sunset at midday is caused by the particles scattering the light and giving the appearance of a red sun.

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Julia Towers took this picture in Clifton.

“It’s certainly spectacular at the moment and quite a talking point, we’ve had a lot of calls about it.”

The remnants of Hurricane Ophelia has caused weather warnings in Ireland and western England, but Notts is expected to escape the strongest winds.

The phenomenon has also been reported in the South West, West Midlands, North West and North East.