Drivers form lengthy queues at Ipswich car washes as Saharan dust hits

Strange meteorological conditions led to the county experiencing a strange yellow hue before being covered in a thin layer of extremely fine orange dust.

The phenomenon was caused by a cloud of Saharan dust that travelled more than 2,500 miles from north Africa to reach the British shores.

Vehicles were left with stains after the dust mixed with clouds before rain fell.

Vehicles in Ipswich were covered in dirt (Image: Archant)

Chris Bell, a meteorologist from Weatherquest said: "It's amazing to think this dust was in the Saharan desert only a few days ago."

The dust caused a distinct, milky pattern (Image: Archant)

"A front from the west combined with a strong, southerly wind has brought the dust here which has then mixed with rain clouds in the middle of the atmosphere."

A third car afflicted by the dust (Image: Archant)

"This has caused the orange and pink tint to the clouds."

"The rain is moving east and the clouds will disappear through the evening to make way for a period of dry, sunny days."