Wildfires in Canada Cause Dramatic Red Sunrises and Sunsets in the UK

Smoke from wildfires across the Atlantic has brought spectacular vivid colours to sunsets and sunrises across the UK this weekend.

Fires have blazed across North America this summer, and smoke particles have been carried by the jet stream to the skies above the British Isles.

The unusual hues should continue until Monday, when more unsettled weather will begin to disperse the smoke in the upper atmosphere. But skywatchers could also be in for a treat on Monday night, when a rare blue supermoon appears above the UK.

Why are the sunsets and sunrises red?

A jet stream is a high altitude current of air that occurs when warmer air from the south meets cooler air from the north, and is responsible for much of the UK's climate. This makes the sky look more orange, BBC forecaster Grant Burleigh-Harvey says, as the smoke particles diffuse the sunlight.

This can lead to more vivid sunsets and sunrises which is what happened over Saturday and Sunday, he says, and will continue until Monday evening. There is a sepia effect from the red, brown and orange hues which can make for more dramatic views.

Is the smoke harmful?

Because the smoke is high up, there is no risk to people's health and the haze is expected to have moved on by Tuesday morning.

A Rare Blue Supermoon

The UK skies will play host to a rare lunar phenomenon on Monday night - a blue super moon. Monday's full moon is not just a supermoon. It is also a blue moon but those hoping to see a bluish shade to the satellite are out of luck. A blue moon refers to the third full moon in a season with four full moons, as is the case with this full moon. It can also refer to the second full moon in a month with two full moons.

A supermoon appears brighter and bigger than usual because the Moon's orbit brings it closer to earth. The last time the UK witnessed a combined super blue moon was last August - but if you miss it, the next one is reportedly not due until 2037.

The Effects of Wildfires are Spreading Far and Wide

Wildfires rampaging across Canada are affecting skies in the UK, the Met Office has said. The country has been ravaged by a huge blaze which has destroyed more than 80,000 acres of land in Jasper National Park in Alberta and clouded parts of the East Coast of America in a smoky haze.

Wildfires are not uncommon in hot summers, even in the UK, but they are rarely seen on such a large scale; Canadian media reports that more than 100 were burning in Alberta today (Saturday, August 17). The Jasper Park blaze was brought under control today after burning for four weeks but now, thanks to the jet stream, skies in the UK are also being affected by the same fire and smoke clouds.

The Met Office said: "Noticed a slight haze in the sky today? Despite plenty of sunshine in parts of the south, skies may not have been as blue as you'd expect! Wildfire smoke, primarily from Canada, has arrived in northwest Europe, thanks to the jet stream."

The jet stream is a set of strong winds, blowing up to seven miles above the Earth's surface and contribute to the UK's weather patterns. Because the stream flows from west to east, it means the UK can receive the same weather - if a weaker version - as the United States. The winds are essentially carrying smoke from the wildfires over to the UK, which can result in hazy skies. It can also result in some drastic and stunning sunsets, as reported by Sky News. Sky News meteorologist Kirsty McCabe told the publication: "You might have noticed the skies have been rather hazy this weekend, thanks to the jet stream bringing smoke from North America (mainly from Canadian wildfires) all the way across the Atlantic to our shores.

"Luckily because the smoke particles are so high up in our atmosphere they won't have an impact on our health, but they could enhance our sunsets and sunrises this weekend."

Looking Ahead: Rain and Potential Hurricane

The Met Office has issued an alert for heavy rain and strong winds as Hurricane Ernesto's path is expected to hit the UK in the coming days, with the storm currently lashing Bermuda. The category two hurricane is heading for Bermuda and is then expected to move into the North Atlantic next week which will probably impact on the weather patterns in the UK, the Met Office has said.

Deputy chief meteorologist David Oliver added: "The most likely scenario is for a period of unsettled weather from Wednesday, especially in the north and west with heavy rain and strong winds possible, whilst it may be warmer and less wet towards the southeast. As always, keep an eye on the most up-to-date forecast for the latest."

Red Skies, Blue Moon: A Unique Weather Event

As the smoke from Canadian wildfires paints the UK skies with vibrant hues, and a rare blue supermoon illuminates the night, the celestial spectacle offers a unique blend of natural beauty and environmental awareness. The red-hued sunrises and sunsets remind us of the far-reaching consequences of wildfires, highlighting the interconnectedness of our planet's ecosystems. And the celestial dance of the super blue moon serves as a reminder of the wonders that lie beyond our immediate surroundings, inspiring awe and wonder as we gaze at the night sky.