Caz Ormond took this shot on her walk through the park where she said many walkers stopped in awe of the display(Image: Caz Ormond)

‘Upside-down rainbows’ spotted in Wales as onlookers reduced to tears

by · Wales Online

Upside-down “rainbows” were spotted by many in Wales on Thursday. Circumzenithal arcs, which are not actually rainbows and are not caused by rainfall, were spotted in parts of south and southwest Wales including in Llanelli and Swansea on Thursday afternoon when conditions were just right for the phenomenon to occur.

The phenomenon is a type of halo formed when sunlight refracts through ice crystals and in the case in Wales on Thursday can result in more than one display. According to the Met Office the arcs are relatively common but aren’t often seen due to clouds. They were also seen in parts of England in recent days.

The Met Office says: “In order to be able to see a circumzenithal arc a combination of atmospheric conditions must coincide. The height, depth and position of the ice clouds must be right as the cloud needs to be at a specific angle convex to the sun. The position of the observer is also important since its visibility can vary greatly over short distances.”

The halo displays can last from a minute or two to up to two hours. Pictures were sent in by many of you including Abbey Farndale-Brown who said: “It was so vivid and beautiful. I guessed it was due to ice crystals but it was magical to see. I’ve never before in my life seen this many ‘rainbows’ in this pattern before.”

Caz Ormond said: “It was amazing to see. I’ve always loved rainbows and know a little about the different kinds so it was great to be able to see such a rare one and share some knowledge with other people in the park who were taking photos and enjoying it too.”

Some even said they were moved to tears after seeing the display. Pixie Slack said: "I was mesmerised by how beautiful and vibrant the colours were. I rang my mum and we both cried. Something felt so magical about it."

Scroll through the pictures below to see the phenomenon in the skies of Wales on Thursday.

Caz Ormond was walking through the park when she looked up and couldn't quite believe what she was seeing(Image: Caz Ormond)
Caz said many others stopped, looked, and immediately began taking pictures and chatting to each other about the display(Image: Caz Ormond)
Steven Lloyd, who took this picture, said he saw it while working at Ashley Court Care Home in Llanelli(Image: Steven M Lloyd)
Pixie Slack took a few shots and posted a video online asking if others had seen it too(Image: Pixie Slack)