Quetta witnesses 'rare lenticular cloud formation'

A rare lenticular cloud formation was spotted over Koh-e-Murdaar, the eastern mountain range of Quetta, early Tuesday morning, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

The striking lens-shaped cloud appeared before sunrise on October 28 and remained visible for around 20 minutes before dissipating just as the sun began to rise, the PMD said in a statement.

"A lenticular cloud formation was observed in the early morning of Oct 28, 2025, over Koh e Murdaar - eastern range of Quetta city. The cloud appeared before sunrise, persisted for approx. 20 minutes, and dissipated just prior to sunrise," read the statement issued by the PMD.

However, photos and videos of the phenomenon quickly went viral on social media, with many users speculating that it could be linked to a possible missile test or other aerial activity.

Rare Lenticular Cloud Formation Over Quetta
A lenticular cloud formation was observed in the early morning of Oct 28, 2025, over Koh e Murdaar - eastern range of Quetta city. The cloud appeared before sunrise, persisted for approx. 20 minutes, and dissipated just prior to sunrise pic.twitter.com/ovtvjXM3oy

— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) October 28, 2025

Lenticular clouds are typically formed when stable, moist air flows over mountains, creating a smooth, lens-like shape. These formations are rare in Pakistan and often mistaken for unidentified flying objects (UFOs) due to their unusual appearance.

Meteorologists described the occurrence as a fascinating atmospheric phenomenon and a reminder of the unique weather patterns in the Quetta region.

🛑 کوئٹہ میں آج صبح آسمان پر حیرت انگیز نظارہ دیکھا گیا..
یہ دلکش "فائر رینبو"🌈 دراصل بادلوں میں بننے والا ایک نایاب منظر ہے جسے Cloud Iridescence کہا جاتا ہے ☁️
کیا آپ نے کبھی یہ نظارہ اپنی زندگی میں دیکھا ہے؟

©️ Muddasir Jameel pic.twitter.com/bfPIfJYuZb

— WeatherWalay (@weatherwalay) October 28, 2025