Yes, green skies can exist, although they are rare.
While not common, the phenomenon of a green sky, often described as a greenish or yellowish-green hue, can occur during severe thunderstorms. Here's a breakdown of why:
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Deep Thunderstorm Clouds: According to Scott Bachmeier of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, green skies are most often associated with very deep thunderstorm clouds. The depth of these clouds is a crucial factor.
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Water Droplets and Light Scattering: The color results from the way sunlight interacts with the water droplets or ice crystals within the storm cloud. Sunlight is composed of all colors, and as it passes through the cloud, red and blue light are scattered. When abundant blue light scatters within the cloud and mixes with the red and yellow light that makes it through, it can create a green appearance.
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Severe Weather Indicator: It's important to note that green skies are often associated with severe thunderstorms, including those that may produce hail and tornadoes. Therefore, if you observe a green sky, it is wise to seek shelter and monitor weather reports.
In conclusion, while a true, vivid green sky is not a frequent occurrence, it can happen under specific atmospheric conditions, primarily related to deep thunderstorms and the scattering of light. It often signals potentially dangerous weather.
