QUETTA: Residents of Quetta and various parts of Balochistan were captivated early Tuesday morning by an extraordinary multi-colored halo shimmering in the sky. The rare optical display appeared around 6:20 a.m. and quickly disappeared within a few minutes.
The vibrant phenomenon was observed over Quetta, Noshki, Dalbandin, and surrounding areas, creating striking patterns across the horizon. Onlookers described it as a “magical ring of colors” floating in the sky before fading away.
Meteorological Department Offers Explanation
Anjum Nazir, spokesperson for the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), stated that the event was caused by the formation of a lenticular cloud over the eastern mountain range of Koh-i-Murdar near Quetta.He explained that this type of cloud appeared just before sunrise at 6:20 a.m. and dissipated around 6:45 a.m. “Lenticular clouds are stationary, lens-shaped formations that typically develop on the leeward side of mountains,” Nazir clarified.
What Are Lenticular Clouds?
The Meteorological Office elaborated that lenticular clouds develop when moist, stable air flows over mountainous terrain, creating wave-like patterns in the atmosphere. As the air cools to its dew point, clouds form over the peaks, while the surrounding air warms and causes the vapor to evaporate, giving the clouds their characteristic lens shape.“These clouds often look smooth and layered,” Nazir added, “and their saucer-like appearance has sometimes led people to mistake them for UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects).”
Experts note that lenticular clouds are relatively rare in Pakistan’s skies, especially over Balochistan’s mountain ranges. The stunning rainbow halo seen on Tuesday morning was caused by sunlight scattering through the moistu
