Kent could see an “enhanced” sunset this evening as smoke from wildfires in North America reaches the country.

Thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes across the continent, largely in the Canadian Rockies, due to the incidents this summer.

Their impact is now being felt across the Atlantic in the UK with many noticing “hazy” skies this weekend, despite the sunshine. This is because the smoke from the wildfire has travelled thousands of miles due to a split jet stream.

Sky News meteorologist Kirsty McCabe said: "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 will not have an impact on our health, but they could enhance our sunsets and sunrises this weekend."

She said such events were "not unheard of" and similar incidents were seen throughout the summer last year.

Ms McCabe added: "Unfortunately, these events are becoming more common, as climate change is linked to heatwaves and droughts, leading to earlier, longer, and more intense wildfire seasons.”

Last year, Canada saw a record number of wildfires which also caused choking smoke in parts of the United States.

Sunsets and sunrises are not the only thing set to be impacted by North America as later next week the country is due to face the remnants of Hurricane Ernesto.

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.”