Rainbow clouds light up skies over West Midlands

Image source, STFC goose

Image caption, The rare rainbow-like phenomenon, seen here in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, is known as Nacreous cloud
  • Author, Maisie Olah
  • Role, 大象传媒 News, West Midlands

Rare rainbow clouds have brightened skies across the West Midlands.

Known as a Nacreous clouds, they form in very cold conditions over the poles and in the stratosphere, up to 19 miles (31km) high, far above normal clouds.

大象传媒 Weather Watches have been sending in their photos of the "phenomenon".

Sometimes called mother-of-pearl, it is formed in air that is about -80C (-112F) which causes tiny ice crystals to reflect the sunlight, giving the cloud pearly colours.

Image source, Gemma

Image caption, 大象传媒 Weather Watchers sent in their pictures including this one from Gemma, in Codsall, south Staffordshire

Image source, Postman pete

Image caption, Commuters in Stratford-upon-Avon on Thursday morning saw the sunrise with a multicoloured tinge

Image source, Mrs Baggins

Image caption, A tree stood tall in silhouette as the sun rose in Bromyard, Herefordshire

Image source, Lost Girl Adventures

Image caption, It was still dark in Telford, Shropshire when the rainbow clouds could be seen

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