Rare Rainbow Halo Phenomenon Stuns Residents in Quetta

Residents in Quetta and several regions of Balochistan were treated to a rare and breathtaking sight early Tuesday morning when a vibrant, multi-colored halo illuminated the sky. The phenomenon appeared around 6:20 a.m. and disappeared within minutes, leaving onlookers in awe. People from Quetta, Noshki, Dalbandin, and nearby areas reported witnessing what they described as a “magical ring of colors” stretching across the horizon before fading away.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the dazzling spectacle was caused by the formation of a lenticular cloud over the eastern mountain range of Koh-i-Murdar near Quetta. PMD spokesperson Anjum Nazir explained that the cloud appeared shortly before sunrise and dissipated around 6:45 a.m. Lenticular clouds are stationary, lens-shaped formations that typically develop when moist, stable air flows over mountainous terrain, creating waves in the atmosphere.

As the air rises and cools to its dew point, condensation occurs, forming clouds over the mountain peaks. When the air descends and warms again, the moisture evaporates, giving the cloud its distinctive smooth and layered lens shape. These formations are known for their unique appearance and are often mistaken for UFOs due to their saucer-like structure.

Experts note that lenticular clouds are rarely seen in Pakistan, especially across Balochistan’s rugged mountain ranges. The colorful halo observed in Quetta was the result of sunlight scattering through the moist layers of the lenticular cloud, refracting light into different colors and producing a vivid display.

Meteorologists highlighted that such atmospheric events, though uncommon, showcase the dynamic and fascinating interactions between sunlight, moisture, and air movement in the upper atmosphere. For residents, the fleeting phenomenon was a moment of natural beauty that turned an ordinary morning into an unforgettable spectacle.