Weather is full of surprises. From glowing clouds and red flashes above thunderstorms to unusual ice formations, nature creates spectacular phenomena that often seem impossible. Scientists study these events to understand how temperature, wind, moisture and electricity interact in Earth's atmosphere.
In October 2026, the UK's Met Office highlighted several unusual weather phenomena, explaining the science behind these fascinating natural displays. Here are seven amazing weather facts from around the world.
1. Rain Can Appear Red
Have you ever heard of blood rain? This unusual phenomenon occurs when rainwater mixes with airborne dust or sand containing coloured particles. Winds can carry dust from the Sahara Desert across Europe, leaving yellowish or reddish deposits on cars, windows and outdoor surfaces.
Despite its dramatic name, blood rain is not actual blood. It is a natural result of dust travelling through the atmosphere and mixing with precipitation.
2. Clouds Can Glow After Sunset
Noctilucent clouds are rare, delicate clouds that appear to shine against the darkening sky. They form high in the mesosphere, approximately 80 kilometres above Earth's surface.
These clouds contain tiny ice crystals that reflect sunlight even after the Sun has disappeared below the horizon. They are most commonly observed at high latitudes during summer.
3. Snow Can Roll Into Giant Cylinders
Snow rollers are natural cylinders of snow formed when wind or gravity moves loose snow across a suitable surface. As the snow rolls, it collects additional layers, creating shapes that resemble enormous snowballs.
They require particular conditions, including loose, slightly wet snow and a surface that the snow will not stick to. Some snow rollers can grow surprisingly large, although they are relatively uncommon.
4. Clouds Can Look Like Flying Saucers
Lenticular clouds often resemble smooth, lens-shaped objects hovering above mountains. They form when moist air flows over hills or mountain ranges and creates standing waves in the atmosphere.
These clouds are especially noticeable in mountainous regions such as New Zealand, where strong airflow can create spectacular formations.
5. Strange Red Flashes Appear Above Thunderstorms
Sprites are brief electrical flashes that occur high above thunderstorms, generally around 50–90 kilometres above Earth's surface. They can appear red or orange and last only a fraction of a second.
Unlike ordinary lightning, sprites occur in the upper atmosphere. Scientists study them to better understand the relationship between thunderstorms and electrical activity above them.
6. Some Clouds Look Like Ocean Waves
Kelvin–Helmholtz clouds form when neighbouring layers of air move at different speeds. The resulting wind shear can create rolling cloud patterns that resemble breaking ocean waves.
These formations are uncommon and can provide clues about atmospheric turbulence.
7. A Powerful Ocean Climate Pattern Can Affect Weather Worldwide
El Niño develops when surface waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific become unusually warm. This changes atmospheric circulation and can influence rainfall, temperatures and storm patterns across different parts of the world.
In September 2026, the World Meteorological Organization warned that El Niño was expected to strengthen and influence weather risks into 2027. Its effects vary by region, potentially increasing the risk of heat, drought or heavy rainfall in different places.
Conclusion
From glowing night clouds to unusual snow formations, the world's weather demonstrates how fascinating Earth's atmosphere can be. These phenomena are more than beautiful sights: they help scientists understand wind, temperature, moisture and the complex systems that shape our planet.
