Saharan dust has caused hazy skies and coated cars in a fine layer of dust overnight.

The phenomenon sees a mixture of sand and dust carried from the Saharan desert in northern Africa across Europe and as far as the UK.

The Met Office shared satellite pictures on Wednesday that showed clouds of dust approaching the UK from the east.

This caused hazy skies last night across the county.

And people in Bolton found their cars covered in dust this morning.

“Once it is lifted from the ground by strong winds, clouds of dust can reach very high altitudes and be transported worldwide, covering thousands of miles,” the Met Office website says.

The Bolton News: A car covered in dustA car covered in dust (Image: NQ)

“Saharan dust is relatively common in the UK often happening several times a year when big dust storms in the Sahara coincide with southerly wind patterns.

“In certain weather situations, Saharan dust can also affect air pollution and pollution levels.”