QUETTA — A stunning display of colorful lights appeared over Quetta and several other areas of Balochistan early this morning, captivating residents who captured the rare sight on their mobile phones.
The multi-colored “fire rainbow” which is also called “Cloud Iridescence” was visible across Quetta, Nushki, and Dalbandin from various angles before fading from the horizon at around 6:20 am.
Soon after, videos and photos of the phenomenon went viral on social media, sparking curiosity and speculation among users.
According to Anjum Nazir, spokesperson for the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the spectacle was caused by the formation of a “lenticular cloud” over the eastern mountain range of Koh-e-Murdar. He explained that the cloud appeared before sunrise at about 6:20 a.m. and disappeared around 6:45 a.m.
🛑 کوئٹہ میں آج صبح آسمان پر حیرت انگیز نظارہ دیکھا گیا..
یہ دلکش “فائر رینبو”🌈 دراصل بادلوں میں بننے والا ایک نایاب منظر ہے جسے Cloud Iridescence کہا جاتا ہے ☁️
کیا آپ نے کبھی یہ نظارہ اپنی زندگی میں دیکھا ہے؟©️ Muddasir Jameel pic.twitter.com/bfPIfJYuZb
— WeatherWalay (@weatherwalay) October 28, 2025
Nazir said lenticular clouds are stationary, lens-shaped formations that develop on the downwind side of mountains. When moist, stable air flows over a mountain, it creates atmospheric waves; the clouds form at peaks where the air cools to its dew point and evaporate in lower regions.
He added that these smooth, layered clouds are often mistaken for UFOs due to their disc-like shape and bright appearance, especially when illuminated by early sunlight.
