Rare 'rainbow clouds' spotted across the North East

Image source, Richard R Clark
Image caption,
Rare rainbow clouds, such as these seen in Sunderland, have been spotted over north-east England.
Image source, Deanna Coles
Image caption,
The mother of pearl clouds are formed from tiny ice crystals.
Image source, Karl Coates
Image caption,
The clouds are called nacreous but they are also known as mother of pearl clouds.
Image source, Ian Sproat
Image caption,
Those in Tynemouth were able to view the clouds over The Priory.
Image source, Dave Wilson
Image caption,
The phenomenon cast pink and orange hues across the skies from Teesside to Northumberland.
Image source, MARTIN EMMERSON
Image caption,
Sunset is a good time to see the clouds, according to BBC weather presenter Jen Bartram.

Jonny Manning

BBC News

21 December 2023

"Rainbow clouds" have been seen lighting up the skies across north-east England.

The phenomenon cast pink and orange hues across the skies from Teesside to Northumberland.

The clouds are called nacreous but are also known as mother of pearl clouds, according to BBC weather presenter Jen Bartram.

"They’re rare clouds which are very high up in the atmosphere, and extremely cold," she said.

Ian Sproat

The mother of pearl clouds above The Priory in Tynemouth

"They are formed of tiny ice crystals which scatter light through them like a rainbow.

"They’re often seen when lit from below so sunrise and sunset is a great time to spot them.

"They’re only seen when there is very cold air circulating in the stratosphere above the polar regions so it’s a real treat to see them."

Take a look at pictures of the mother of pearl clouds captured by BBC News readers.

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