The UK is set for a weekend of spectacular sunsets and sunrises, enhanced by smoke from wildfires raging across North America. However, this celestial spectacle will be followed by unseasonably wet and windy weather as the remnants of Hurricane Ernesto make their way across the Atlantic.
Despite plentiful sunshine across the south of England on Saturday, skies were noticeably hazy due to wildfire smoke originating primarily from Canada. The smoke, carried by a split jet stream, travelled thousands of miles to reach British shores.
Sky News meteorologist Kirsty McCabe explained that the smoke particles, high in the atmosphere, pose no health risk but can create vibrant sunsets and sunrises. This phenomenon, though not unprecedented, is becoming increasingly common as climate change fuels longer and more intense wildfire seasons, leading to heatwaves and droughts.
The Canadian Rockies have been particularly hard hit by wildfires this summer, forcing the evacuation of thousands from Jasper town and its national park last month. Last year, a record number of wildfires across Canada led to the displacement of over 235,000 people and sent thick smoke into the US, causing hazy skies and health warnings.
Meanwhile, the UK's weather outlook for the coming week is dominated by the remnants of Hurricane Ernesto, which recently battered Puerto Rico, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and water. As the jet stream rejoins, it will carry the remnants of the hurricane eastwards towards the UK, potentially bringing disruptive weather.
While the exact track and timing of the ex-hurricane's arrival remain uncertain, Ms McCabe indicated that unseasonably wet and windy weather is likely to affect the UK from Wednesday onwards. This storm system, combining with the ex-hurricane, is predicted to bring a complex low-pressure system to the region.
In summary, the UK is experiencing a unique blend of celestial beauty and potential weather disruption this week. While smoke from Canadian wildfires will enhance sunsets and sunrises, the arrival of Hurricane Ernesto's remnants promises a shift to unsettled conditions, bringing an early taste of autumnal weather.
