Heightened air pollution forecast over weekend

Met Office forecasting moderate air pollution levels across much of England at weekend, with high levels expected in the Midlands on Monday

The Met Office is forecasting moderate levels of air pollution across much of England and Wales over the weekend, with high levels expected in the Midlands by Monday (May 19).

According to the Met Office’s five day pollution forecast, moderate levels — from 4 to 6 on the scale — are expected across Wales, England and the south of Scotland, rising to high — from 7 to 9 on the scale — on Monday in parts of the Midlands.

Map showing Met Office air pollution forecast for Sunday May 18 2014

The forecast states: ‘Moderate, locally High levels of air pollution are expected in a swath across central southern England, the Midlands and parts of northern England on Monday as winds turn southerly, bringing air directly from the continent.’

Only last month air pollution hit the headlines when high and very high levels of air pollution were forecast in much of England and Wales, with dust particles from the Sahara also contributing to the problem (see airqualitynews.com story).

And, Clean Air in London campaigner Simon Birkett has speculated that jetstream forecasts suggest Saharan dust particles could also blow over the UK next week.

According to Mr Birkett: “Netweather jetstream forecast suggests Sahara dust possible by Tuesday.”