Smoke from Europe wildfires create hazy conditions across the UK
This recent photo taken from a French Canadair water bomber and provided Friday, Aug. 15, 2025 by the Securite Civile shows wildfire in Spain. (Securite Civile via AP) (Securit' Civile)
Smoke from wildfires in Southern Europe, combined with Saharan dust, has caused hazy conditions across the UK.
The Met Office forecasts that these conditions will lead to enhanced sunsets and sunrises with deeper red and orange hues over the coming days.
This atmospheric phenomenon is due to Mie scattering, where larger particles from wildfires, such as soot and ash, scatter light differently.
The haze is affecting the UK's current heatwave, which saw some areas reach temperatures above 33C.
Wildfires are extensively impacting Spain and Portugal, with Spain battling 14 major fires, resulting in seven fatalities and over 157,000 hectares burned this year.
