The colours of the sky are little clues about what the atmosphere is up to. From clear blue skies to fiery sunsets, the sky is nature’s weather forecast, if you know how to read it.
To help you stay prepared for all types of weather, here’s everything you need to know about what the different colours of the sky really mean.
Easy As Hack
When the sky takes on a greenish tint, it’s usually a signal that intense weather is on the way. We mean severe thunderstorms, hail, heavy rain and strong winds.
At a glance
- A red sky at sunset is a good sign, but a red sky at sunrise is a different story
- Grey skies indicate a dull, moody day ahead
- From clear blue skies to surprising greenish tints, the colour of the sky can help you stay prepared for all types of weather
Red Sky
“Red sky at night, shepherds’ delight. Red sky in the morning, shepherds’ warning.”
Ever heard of this rhyme? It might sound like something out of a storybook, but there’s real weather science behind it.
When the sky glows a fiery red at sunset, it’s a good sign. It means high pressure and dry, stable air (which basically means good weather the following day).
But if you spot the same red skies at sunrise, it’s a different story. In that case, the high-pressure system has already moved on to the east, making room for a low-pressure system. This means wind and rain is on the way.1
A red sunrise might look stunning but it’s warning you to take the umbrella with you if you’re out for the day.
Grey skies
The UK loves a grey sky – it seems like we can never get enough of it (sadly) but what does it say about the weather?
When the sky is cloaked in a uniform shade of grey, it usually means thick clouds which bring rain, drizzle, or even snow depending on the temperature.
Low, thick clouds can often appear as a uniform grey blanket across the sky. These clouds are dense with moisture, and when the air temperature near the ground is at or below freezing, the moisture in these clouds falls as snow instead of rain.
So, the next time you see grey skies, make sure you’re prepped for wet, windy or moody weather. Cover the garden furniture, close the windows and make sure wellies are at the ready.
Blue skies
There’s nothing quite like a clear blue sky to put you in a good mood for the day.
If you want to host a BBQ or go out for a picnic, you’ll ideally want to see clear blue skies when you wake up in the morning.
Blue skies mean the air is clean, dry, and stable, so it’ll be a sunny and calm day. No clouds hanging around, no sudden downpours lurking – just good vibes and plenty of sunshine.
Green skies
You don’t see green skies every day in the UK, which makes it even more eye-catching and concerning when you do.
When the sky takes on a greenish tint, it’s usually a signal that intense weather is on the way. We mean severe thunderstorms, hail, heavy rain and strong winds.
Green skies are rare in the UK but they’re a powerful weather clue. They tell us bad weather is coming, so you need to prepare. Tie down the garden furniture and trampoline, stay indoors and avoid driving on the roads if possible.
Paying attention to the sky is a simple way to stay one step ahead of the weather. It’s not about predicting the future with perfect accuracy but about noticing the signs that help you plan your day.
Protect your home, whatever the weather. Get your Ageas Home Insurance quote today.
