SALINA, Okla. — A viewer in Salina, Okla. snapped a picture of a rainbow cloud and sent it to the 2 News weather team.
So... what's a rainbow cloud?
A rainbow cloud can occur because of something called cloud iridescence. It usually happens in altocumulus, cirrocumulus, lenticular and cirrus clouds. Iridescent clouds happen because of diffraction – a phenomenon that occurs when small water droplets or small ice crystals scatter the sun's light. The colors are usually pastel, but can be very vivid or mingled together, sometimes similar to mother-of-pearl.
Spot a weather phenomenon you want to share with 2 News? Email it to us at weatherpics@kjrh.com.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Twitter
