Iridescent clouds were on display in this unusual formation and colour scheme south of Penticton this afternoon.
(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)
June 14, 2017 - 12:49 PM
PENTICTON - An unusual weather phenomenon could be seen in the South Okanagan early this afternoon.
Motorists on Highway 97 south of Penticton stopped to take photos of this unusually coloured cloud formation around noon today, June 14.
The phenomenon is known as “cloud iridescence,” and is the occurrence of colours in a cloud similar to those seen in oil films on puddles.
Wikipedia describes the phenomenon as “fairly common,” most often observed in altocumulus, cirrocumulus, lenticular or cirrus clouds.
The cloud’s colours are caused by small water droplets or small ice crystals individually scattering light.
Larger ice crystals do not produce the iridescence, but can cause halos, which are a different phenomenon.
Did you see the iridescent clouds south of Penticton around noon today? Share your pictures on our Facebook page or send to news@infonews.ca.
Stacey Mendes took this photo of the cloud formation on June 14, jokingly comparing the cloud formation to a "dinosaur blowing out a rainbow of fire."
(STACEY MENDES / iNFOnews.ca)
Barbara Watt took this photo near Twin Lakes Golf Course on June 14.
(BARBARA WATT / iNFOnews.ca)
Sarah McMillan caught this image of the cloud formation over the South Okanagan on June 14, 2017.
Image Credit: Sarah McMillan
Chantell Chapman took this photo of a similar cloud formation in March of this year.
Image Credit: Chantell Chapman
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News from © iNFOnews, 2017