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Pink sun over Kent caused by Storm Ophelia

The sun shone red above Kent this afternoon, bathing the county in an ominous rose-gold glow.

The Met Office said the eerie phenomenon was caused by Saharan dust which was drawn up by Storm Ophelia.

The dust scattered blue light from the sun, letting more red light through.

The sun turned a shade of pink
The sun turned a shade of pink
Dionne Jarvis sent this snap in of Sheerness
Dionne Jarvis sent this snap in of Sheerness

As a result, the county turned an almost apocalyptic shade of sepia before dark clouds shrouded the sky.

People took to social media to describe the strange spectacle.

Granny in a Hat said: "Our sky in Kent is a yellowish pinky grey with red sun. Interesting lol."

The pink sun casts a rose gold glow over the River Medway in Rochester
The pink sun casts a rose gold glow over the River Medway in Rochester
Here's what the view was like for Aisha Newcombe in Gravesend
Here's what the view was like for Aisha Newcombe in Gravesend

Occasionally Filthy posted: "Looks like Kent is getting the sepia filter treatment overhead. No red sun as of yet though. End of days."

It comes on the day the county experienced unseasonably warm conditions, with the mercury reaching up to 23c.

This is what Rochester Castle looked like
This is what Rochester Castle looked like

Elsewhere, Storm Ophelia is battering Ireland, Wales, south west Scotland and the Isle of Man, but is not expected to reach the south east of England.

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