Keep calm – it’s not the apocalypse

Monday 16 October 2017

This morning’s reddish skies have had islanders looking up in wonder and worry – but there’s really nothing to fear.

The fiery sun, and the darkening yellow look in the sky aren’t the signs of the apocalypse, as some have claimed on social media - but the likely effect of dust from the Sahara and recent Portuguese forest fires whipped up by the wind, and now making its way over the islands.

The key issue, however, is the levels of cloud coverage.

Cirrostratus/altostratus cloud, possibly Saharan dust/forest fire dust causing the sun to appear as if behind ground-glass with orange hue. pic.twitter.com/miwj7sJXKe

— Jersey Met (@Jersey_Met) October 16, 2017

In a tweet, the UK Met Office explained: “It's generally the low level sun hitting the layers of cloud. There may be a small amount of dust included in this."

Islanders have since taken to social media to share their shock and surprise at the sky’s sepia hue.

“Eerie feel, street lights coming on in the middle of the day and people coming out of shops and offices to take photos of the sky,” one commented on Twitter.

Another added: “It’s got a lovely sense of the end of the world about it. Very calming.” 

Airline Aurigny even reported having to divert one of their flights as a safety measure - they'd been caught unawares by the unusual conditions, and the unusual smell that came with it.

"We understand that multiple airlines have reported a smoky smell being experienced whilst flying through the area. Our Bristol flight GR642, did return to Guernsey as a precaution, but this was before we received this information. The aircraft has been fully checked by engineers and will return to service. We apologise to all passenger affected by the disruption," a spokesperson for the airline wrote on Facebook.

As of 16:45, 13 departing flights were recorded as having been cancelled on the Jersey Airport website.

In a message on social media, Airport officials said: "A number of flights have now been cancelled due to issues caused by the dust and smoke. If your flight is cancelled please contact your airline for alternative travel options."

Meanwhile, the UK is bracing for Hurricane Ophelia to hit. Today’s winds will be at Force 4 to Force 5, decreasing throughout the day.

So no aliens but the #Sun here in #JerseyCI is putting on quite the show...anything we should know? pic.twitter.com/lcQehS26XS

— Kevin Pamplin (@KevinPamplin) October 16, 2017

Despite the dusty glow, sunny periods are forecast for this afternoon.

Lead photo credit: Daniele Canestro