As ex-hurricane Ophelia continues to bring strong winds to western parts of the country, much of Suffolk and Essex is expected to stay dry and cloudy.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich Star readers showcase their photography skills during the red sun phenomenon. Picture: PAUL LEECHIpswich Star readers showcase their photography skills during the red sun phenomenon. Picture: PAUL LEECH (Image: Archant)

After a breezy start today in the east, the gusty winds should ease through the morning with sunny spells expected.

Temperatures are expected to be higher than the October average due, in part, to the influence of ex-Ophelia, which will draw up very warm air from Spain on its eastern flank.

Some rain is expected across Suffolk and Norfolk this evening.

The ex-hurricane caused a phenomenon yesterday with a red sun visible in many parts of Suffolk and Norfolk.

East Anglian Daily Times: The red sun caught at Tower Ramparts in Ipswich by Twitter user Sheila R (@1SheilR). Picture: @1SHEILR/TWITTERThe red sun caught at Tower Ramparts in Ipswich by Twitter user Sheila R (@1SheilR). Picture: @1SHEILR/TWITTER (Image: Archant)

Met Office forecaster Grahame Madge said Storm Ophelia, explained the reasons behind the eerie sky yesterday.

He said: “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.”