Book 7, Question 42
Why Does the Sky Turn Greenish Before Some Storms?
The sky turns greenish before some storms because huge, thick storm clouds change the color of the light passing through them.
Sometimes the sky turns an eerie green before a strong storm. Huge, thick storm clouds scatter sunlight in odd ways, and that can tint the sky greenish. It is a clue that something strong is brewing, so it is time to pay attention.
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Quick answers
Are green storms real?
Yes. Scientists at the University of Oklahoma measured their light and proved it.
Sources: NASA, National Geographic Kids
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 7
More fun facts
- Green thunderstorms are real. Scientists at the University of Oklahoma measured their light and proved it.
- The change is not a sudden green light. The sky shifts gradually from blue toward green.
- When the sky turns green, it also gets darker.
- Only the biggest, thickest storm clouds seem to be able to change the color of sunlight this way.
- Scientists have more than one idea about exactly why it happens. One idea is that water in the cloud gives it a blue tint, and reddish evening light shining through makes it look green.
Sources: NASA, National Geographic Kids
Questions kids ask
Is a green sky real or just my imagination?
It's real. Scientists measured the light of green thunderstorms.
Does a green sky always mean a tornado?
No, but it can mean a strong storm. Stay alert and listen for warnings.