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Rare 'rainbow cloud' dazzles skies across North West

News imageHannah Wallace Rainbow cloud above Wilmslow, CheshireHannah Wallace
The dramatic view of a rainbow cloud above Wilmslow in Cheshire

A rare rainbow cloud spotted by stunned onlookers across the North West has been described as "spectacular" and "like a glitch in the matrix".

The Nacreous cloud forms in very cold conditions over polar regions and within the stratosphere, about 12 to 19 miles high, far above normal clouds.

News imageCharlotte Hamilton Rainbow cloud in Hale BarnsCharlotte Hamilton
A view of the sky over Hale Barns, in Greater Manchester

Charlotte Hamilton, who saw the colourful display above Manchester Airport earlier said the view was "absolutely amazing".

"It was like a glitch in the matrix. Never seen anything like it."

News imageMartyn Jones Rainbow clouds in Tyldesley, Greater ManchesterMartyn Jones
A colourful view was captured in Tyldesley, Greater Manchester

The Met Office said Nacreous cloud are only visible in the UK when cold air from polar regions is displaced and "hovers temporarily" across the country.

The cloud forms very high in the sky, and display vivid, iridescent colours.

News imageAli Johnston Rare rainbow cloud in LiverpoolAli Johnston
The rare rainbow cloud was also seen in Liverpool

Several residents in the region told BBC North West they had "never seen this before", while other described the cloud as "pretty spectacular" and "stunning".

News imageDave Corkish Rainbow cloud looms over Peel on the Isle of ManDave Corkish
The rare weather was spotted in the sky above Peel on the Isle of Man
News imageMichael Walsh Rainbow cloud in ManchesterMichael Walsh
Early risers saw the cloud above Manchester
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