WATCH: Storm Ophelia turns the sun red

A red sun spotted in the sky over parts of England has been caused by Storm Ophelia.

The unusual occurrence was seen in the south west this morning, with a number of people sharing photos and video online of the phenomenon.

A red sun  over Bromsgrove in Worcestershire. Picture: Neil Pughplaceholder image
A red sun over Bromsgrove in Worcestershire. Picture: Neil Pugh

Sharon Derrick shared a video of the sun over Bristol and said: "Bristol looks like the film The Red Planet... the weather is bizarre."

Met Office forecaster Grahame Madge said the former hurricane is pulling air and dust up from southern Europe and Africa.

A red sun  over Bromsgrove in Worcestershire. Picture: Neil Pughplaceholder image
A red sun over Bromsgrove in Worcestershire. Picture: Neil Pugh

"It's all connected with Ophelia, on the eastern side of the low pressure system air is coming up in the southern direction," he said.

"Air is being pulled from southern Europe and Africa and that air contains a lot of dust.

"So it's most likely the appearance of sunset at midday is caused by the particles scattering the light and giving the appearance of a red sun.

"It's certainly spectacular at the moment and quite a talking point, we've had a lot of calls about it."

News you can trust since 1877
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice