‘UFO-like’ lenticular cloud over Quetta sparks curiosity among residents

QUETTA: A rare lenticular cloud formation seen over Quetta early Tuesday morning left residents intrigued, with many taking to social media to speculate about its origins.

Eyewitnesses reported spotting the unusual cloud around the time of morning prayers from several parts of Balochistan, leading to widespread curiosity. Some online users suggested it could have been linked to a missile test or a new form of military technology.

Clarifying the speculation later in the day, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said the phenomenon was a “lenticular cloud formation” observed over the Koh e Murdaar region before sunrise.

“The cloud appeared before sunrise, persisted for about 20 minutes, and dissipated just before daybreak,” the PMD said in a post on X.

According to the UK’s Met Office, lenticular clouds are lens-shaped formations that develop when stable air flows over mountains or hills, creating wave patterns in the atmosphere.

“These unusual, saucer-like clouds often form downwind of mountain ranges and are among the most common natural explanations for UFO sightings worldwide,” the Met Office explains.