The weather phenomenon occurs when dust from the African desert is carried north by air currents and mixes with rain.

With both dust and showers expected over the coming days, forecasters say fine particles are likely to settle on the ground, leaving a thin layer of residue on cars, windows and garden furniture.

Cars could become covered in dust (Image: Newsquest)

People may find themselves reaching for buckets and sponges as the dust leaves a film of marks on outdoor surfaces.

The warning comes as temperatures surge on Thursday, which forecasters predict could be the warmest day of the year so far.

Jim Dale, senior meteorological observer at British Weather Services, said: "Blood rain is a dramatic title. There is no blood involved at all - it is the colour.

"Saharan dust is very fine sand particles from the Sahara desert which get lifted by the wind.

"The dust of the sand comes down, joins with raindrops and it leaves a film of sand or dust that is red or brown coloured on surfaces such as cars."

Claire Ryder, a professor at the University of Reading who specialises in dust transport, explained the dust is brought over to the UK by strong, warm winds coming from the south.

A wave of Saharan dust is set to bring dramatic skies over Norfolk (Image: Newsquest)

"The dust particles are smaller than a grain of hair and can stay in the air for a long time,” she said.

"They will slowly be settling, but they can also be taken out of the atmosphere by rainfall and clouds."

Dr Ryder believes the best sunsets will be across the east of England on Thursday evening.

She added: “The peak dust concentration is through tonight and it is going to get much more severe through the night and into tomorrow.

“Tomorrow, skies will be less visible as it is more cloudy, so the best chance to see a great sunset is this evening.”

Clouds are expected across much of England and Wales on Friday, although Ireland and Scotland should enjoy sunny weather, according to the Met Office.

© Eastern Daily Press