A rare overcast sunset painted Canada’s sky pink

Vancouver Island: Last weekend, we saw some wild UFO-like clouds, and then nature decided to put on another show. This time, it was a stunning pink sunset that had everyone talking.

On Thursday, a regular weather front rolled in, but as the sun dipped down, the skies lit up in a way that took many by surprise.

Witnesses described the pink glow as “super weird,” and it stretched from Sooke to Tofino. People stopped in their tracks to snap photos, with some even noticing hints of yellow in the mix.

This colorful display kicked off around 4:30 p.m. when the sun aligned just right with the atmospheric conditions. It was like nature was showing off its artistic side.

After the front moved inland, a thin layer of marine clouds hung around, creating a perfect canvas. The cooler air above helped keep things stable, and the ice crystals in the clouds made the colors pop even more.

The thickness of the cloud layer played a big role too. With no turbulence to mess things up, the colors spread out evenly, almost like an Instagram filter over the sky.

So, why the pink sky? Well, during the day, shorter wavelengths like blue scatter more, making the sky blue. But at sunset, the light travels further, scattering the blue and leaving behind those beautiful reds and pinks.

Think of those clouds as nature’s way of diffusing the light. They blocked the direct sunlight but let the reds and oranges shine through, creating that magical view.

If the clouds had been even a bit thicker, we might have just seen a dull grey evening instead. An overcast sunset like this is a rare treat, showing off how clouds, moisture, and sunlight can work together.

So next time you’re out at sunset, take a moment to look up. You never know what kind of beauty might be waiting for you.

Header image submitted by Marci Callewaert.