A CLOUD of pollution bringing dust from the Sahara Desert is due to lift from Oxfordshire today.

The smog which settled over much of South East England yesterday was caused by a minor heatwave increasing pollutants in the air combined with a band of warm air from the continent, which also brought in dust from the Sahara.

Oxfordshire was given a moderate to high air-pollution warning yesterday by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

In the south and east of the county it warned that anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, a cough or sore throat should consider reducing their outdoor activity.

DEFRA said: “Adults and children with lung problems and adults with heart problems should reduce strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors.

“People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often.

“Older people should reduce physical exertion.”

But the cloud of pollution was expected to dissipate today as temperatures drop, with highs expected of 12 degrees.

The sun is expected to break through the clouds this afternoon for a few hours while Sunday is expected to be more cloudy, but slightly warmer.