Unique optical phenomena puts on colourful show in Maritime sky
Like a rainbow turned to run parallel to the horizon, circumhorizontal arcs made an appearance in parts of the Maritimes on Thursday.
The unique optical phenomena is part of the halo family of effects.
The arcs are created by the refraction of sunlight by tiny ice crystals that comprise very high cloud in the atmosphere.
Great conditions for that in the region Thursday, as high cloud is spilling in off a series of low-pressure systems and weather fronts to our west.
Here are a few of the pictures sent to me that shows Thursday's circumhorizontal arcs.
Recommended Articles
-
Kalin's Call: Several planets viewable pre-dawn Wednesday as sky clears
Clearing skies in all three Maritime provinces Wednesday morning will provide an opportunity to view several planets towards the southeastern horizon. -
Kalin's Call: Maritime provinces experienced a drier-than-average May
The big standout for weather last month in the Maritimes was how dry it was. A good portion of the Maritimes seeing only half or less than the 30 year (1981-2010) climate average for the month. Some of the drier areas including southern New Brunswick, northern and eastern Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. -
Kalin's Call: Block in jet stream keeps region cool, blustery; watch for first named Atlantic storm
While parts of Ontario and Quebec sizzled with some summer-like temperatures Tuesday — Toronto Pearson Airport hit 32 degrees — it was generally cool and windy for the Maritimes.