Skip to content

Rainbow clouds: Rare phenomenon graces Northern Ireland skies

Barra Best
BBC News NI weather presenter
J R Photography Rainbow clouds in WarrenpointJ R Photography
Because of the height and temperature needed this cloud is also known as polar stratospheric cloud - here's one pictured over Warrenpoint, County Down

Rare nacreous clouds have been photographed over Northern Ireland on Thursday morning.

Typically seen at high altitudes closer to the poles, they are a meteorological rarity in Irish skies.

Also known as 'mother of pearl' their occurrence requires specific conditions, namely extremely low temperatures in the upper atmosphere.

Forming in air around -80C, ice crystals reflect the sun, giving the cloud pearly colours.

Some lucky individuals captured the celestial spectacle, taking to social media platforms to showcase the event.

J R Photography Rainbow clouds in WarrenpointJ R Photography
They normally form between 12-19 miles (19-31km) high, far above our normal clouds, as seen here in Warrenpoint
J R Photography Rainbow clouds in WarrenpointJ R Photography
The rare formation is also known as mother of pearl
StephMT86 Rainbow clouds in NewryStephMT86
The celestial delight was snapped in Newry

All photos subject to copyright.