Rainbows have been seen as a sign of hope during the coronavirus pandemic and have appeared in windows all over the country - but tonight it was the sky over Suffolk that was painted red, orange, yellow, green and blue.

Ipswich Star: Cherry Lane Gardens Picture: Jodie OsbornCherry Lane Gardens Picture: Jodie Osborn (Image: Archant)

The earlier showers blended with the early evening sun to create a rainbow which was seen all over Ipswich and even Stowmarket.

Ipswich Star: A double rainbow in Ipswich Picture: Ollie RansomA double rainbow in Ipswich Picture: Ollie Ransom (Image: Archant)

Some readers even spotted a double rainbow - which according to the Met Office are created when sunlight is reflected twice within a raindrop with the violet light that reaches the observers eye coming from the higher raindrops and the red light from lower raindrops.

Ipswich Star: This image shows a double rainbow over Ipswich Picture: Nikki SapsedThis image shows a double rainbow over Ipswich Picture: Nikki Sapsed (Image: Archant)

This phenomenon is relatively common, and occurs at times when the sun is low in the sky such as in the early morning or late afternoon, as happened today.

Ipswich Star: A rainbow over Ipswich Waterfront Picture: Beau DeaconA rainbow over Ipswich Waterfront Picture: Beau Deacon (Image: Archant)

Readers from all over Ipswich spotted the sight and shared their photos with us after this photo was posted on our website earlier.

Ipswich Star: The was over a garden in IP1 Picture: Lynsey StorerThe was over a garden in IP1 Picture: Lynsey Storer (Image: Archant)

We have stunning photos of the light show over Ipswich Waterfront, images from Henley and also Stowmarket.

Ipswich Star: Goodwood Close, Ipswich - the scene of this shot Picture: Jodie OsbornGoodwood Close, Ipswich - the scene of this shot Picture: Jodie Osborn (Image: Archant)

One photographer captured the rainbow over Ipswich Hospital - particularly fitting after weeks of children painting, and colouring, rainbows for our heroic NHS staff and other front line keyworkers who have been leading the fight against coronvavirus.

Ipswich Star: The beautiful rainbow could also be seen from Pinewood Picture: Lee PageThe beautiful rainbow could also be seen from Pinewood Picture: Lee Page (Image: Archant)

Pictures have been flooding in to our newsdesk, as keen photographers are keen to show off their talents.

Ipswich Star: A colourful arc in Stowmarket Picture: Nicola FrenchA colourful arc in Stowmarket Picture: Nicola French (Image: Archant)

There is unlikely to be a repeat tomorrow as Sunday is forecast to be drier and slightly warmer, with temperatures rising further on Monday to create a warm and sunny Bank Holiday.

Ipswich Star: The rainbow this evening, perfectly placed over the maternity block at Ipswich Hospital Picture: Laura GunsonThe rainbow this evening, perfectly placed over the maternity block at Ipswich Hospital Picture: Laura Gunson (Image: Archant)

For more weather news, see here

Ipswich Star: A rainbow over Henley Rise Picture: Michele BaldockA rainbow over Henley Rise Picture: Michele Baldock (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: This colourful rainbow set against a tree silhouette was taken by Di Tooke Picture: Di TookeThis colourful rainbow set against a tree silhouette was taken by Di Tooke Picture: Di Tooke (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Clare Jolley took this shotClare Jolley took this shot (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: The rain and sun blended to create this scene over houses in Ipswich Picture: Lisa GuestThe rain and sun blended to create this scene over houses in Ipswich Picture: Lisa Guest (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: The rainbow captured in Kesgrave Picture: Vicki WalshThe rainbow captured in Kesgrave Picture: Vicki Walsh (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Rainbow over Ipswich Picture: Nikita TweedRainbow over Ipswich Picture: Nikita Tweed (Image: Archant)