After last weekend’s UFO-like clouds along the coast of British Columbia, the atmosphere delivered another encore performance–allowing many more to experience nature’s awe.
On Thursday, a seemingly mundane frontal system pushed ashore with little fanfare. But as the sun sank closer to the horizon, skies across Vancouver Island came alive.
A vivid pink glow, described as “super weird” by witnesses, lit up the region. From Sooke to Lake Cowichan, Campbell River to Tofino, and Courtenay, many paused to capture the stunning scene. Some even described the sky as tinged with yellow.
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Roll back the tape
The phenomenon unfolded around 4:30 p.m., just as the setting sun aligned perfectly with unique atmospheric conditions. By analyzing an atmospheric sounding from the time, we can better understand what happened.
After the frontal system moved inland, a thin but uniform marine cloud layer lingered over the area. This stable layer remained, supported by cooler air aloft. The presence of ice crystals within the cloud deck likely amplified the scattering of light, creating an extra vibrant display.
Even the precise thickness of the cloud layer was key–there was little turbulence or convection to disrupt the carpet of clouds, allowing colours to spread evenly across the scenery like an Instagram filter.
Why a pink sky?
Blue and violet light
On a sunny day, shorter wavelengths (like blue and violet) scatter most effectively due to Rayleigh scattering, which is precisely why the sky is blue. At sunset, however, sunlight travels a much longer distance through the atmosphere. Most of the blue light is scattered out of view, leaving behind the longer red and pink wavelengths.
Red and pink light
Think of the thin overcast layer as nature’s diffuser. While it blocked direct sunlight, it allowed the remaining red, orange, and pink to scatter and spread across the sky. The result? The mythical pink and yellow hues seen across Vancouver Island.
If this cloud deck was even marginally thicker, behind the “Goldilocks zone,” the evening might have been a typical grey December evening.
An overcast sunset is a rare spectacle, showcasing the delicate interplay of clouds, moisture, and sunlight.
Look up at the next sunset and you might just be surprised what you see.
Header image submitted by Marci Callewaert.