Rainbow-like cloud in Indonesian sky draws crowds, briefly disrupts traffic, explained as optical phenomenon
A rainbow-like cloud sighting in Jonggol, Bogor, Indonesia, drew public attention and briefly disrupted traffic as residents stopped to record it. Authorities later said the phenomenon was a common optical effect and not a sign of severe weather.
- A rainbow-like cloud over Jonggol drew crowds and briefly disrupted traffic as motorists stopped to film it.
- BMKG said the phenomenon was caused by sunlight interacting with airborne water droplets.
- The agency stressed the sighting does not signal an approaching storm.
A rainbow-like cloud spotted in the skies over Jonggol, Bogor, West Java, on Friday (May 1) drew attention from residents and motorists, prompting some to stop and record the phenomenon.
The phenomenon was noticed by a local resident, identified as 21-year-old Ahmad Baehaqy Pratama, while travelling along Jalan Jeprah in Jonggol.
“It hadn’t rained yet, but on the right side it looked like there was a rainbow,” he said on Saturday (May 2).
According to the report, several motorists slowed down while others pulled over, pointing their mobile phone cameras at the sky to capture the moment. Traffic in the area was briefly disrupted as a result.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said the sighting was a common phenomenon related to atmospheric optics.
“The phenomenon seen in the video is a common occurrence in the atmosphere and is related to atmospheric optics,” said Ida Pramuwardani, Acting Director of Public Meteorology at BMKG, as quoted by detik.
She explained that the rainbow-like colours were caused by sunlight interacting with water droplets in the air, including those remaining after rainfall.
“The rainbow colours appear because sunlight interacts with water droplets in the air, either from residual rain or rainfall occurring in other parts of the Sentul area, as seen in the video,” she said.
BMKG added that towering cumulus clouds were visible at the same time, partially covering the rainbow and making it appear incomplete.
“At the same time, towering cumulus clouds can be seen covering part of the rainbow, making it appear incomplete or resemble a ‘rainbow cloud’,” Ida said.
The agency stressed that the phenomenon does not indicate an approaching storm.
“This phenomenon is not a direct sign of an impending storm, but rather indicates the growth of convective clouds and the possibility of localised rainfall in the surrounding area, even if the observation point remains clear or has not experienced rain,” she said.
BMKG noted that such conditions reflect localised cloud development, even when weather appears clear at the observation point.
