The D.C. area was stuck in a gray gloom for much of Wednesday, but as a cold front pushed clouds away late in the day, a spectacular sunset was born.

       Capital Weather Gang readers throughout the region captured beautiful views, showcasing a gorgeous palette of purple, pink, orange and yellow. The Technicolor light magnificently highlighted the layered and textured low and mid-level clouds, a blend of stratus and stratocumulus.

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       The sunset was further enhanced by the contrast between the snow-covered landscape and color-filled sky.

       It was the first 5 p.m. sunset of the new year, and what a sunset it was.

       Picture-perfect scenes from Monday’s storm in Washington

       Here’s a small sample of the great views: