In Pictures: Unusual clouds and red skies

Unusual cloud formations can be seen in a bright orange and purple sky over trees and rooftopsNicola Brown

Whitefield, Greater Manchester

People across the north-west of England woke up to unusual cloud formations against vividly coloured skies.

The Met Office said lenticular clouds combined with the sunrise to create the stunning effect.

The clouds tend to form "when air blows across a mountain range in certain circumstances" and when there is enough moisture in the air, it said.

The formations are expected to continue to grace the skies across the region over the coming days.

A cloud that resembles a flying saucer can be seen in an orange sky above housesDavid Fletcher

Saddleworth, Greater Manchester

"It can set up a train of large standing waves in the air downstream, rather like ripples forming in a river when water flows over an obstruction," a spokesman for the Met Office said.

"With the current weather set up, we are expecting quite a bit of mountain wave activity."

Strange cloud formation and bright orange sky over trees in a field Stephen Bristow

Liverpool

Pink skies and yellow in sky - over water Philip Carden

Cheshire

An bright orange, purple and blue sky can be seen behind treesJennifer McGrail

Walton-le-Dale, Lancashire

Fluroescent pink and blue clouds can be seen over trees and rooftopsGraham Bramall

Hindley, Greater Manchester

An orange, pink and blue sunrise can be seen behind trees and fencesEd Lawson

Great Eccleston, Lancashire

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