“The orange hue is caused by the same process that causes the vivid colors at sunsets. Shorter wavelengths of light (blue) are scattered quickly, leaving only the yellow-orange-red end of the spectrum,” the weather service reports.
The bundle of dust and smoke particles were lifted high into the atmosphere where they split out the light spectrum. Blue light, which usually paints the sky, was scattered enabling more yellow and orange light to break through.
The presence of suspended particles in the atmosphere, such as dust, aerosols, smoke or pollutants, can affect the colour of the sky during sunset. These particles can selectively scatter and filter light, which can intensify orange and reddish hues in the sky.
During sunrise or sunset, when the Sun is close to the horizon, the light must travel through more of the atmosphere than it does when the Sun is overhead. This results in more scattering of light, including longer wavelengths such as yellow, orange, and red, which creates colorful sunrise and sunset skies.
If the morning skies are of an orange-red glow, it signifies a high-pressure air mass with stable air trapping particles, like dust, which scatters the sun's blue light. This high pressure is moving towards the east, and a low-pressure system moves in from the west.
Most thunderstorms occur in the late afternoon. By this time of day, the sun is beginning to set. The orange hue is caused by the same process that causes the vivid colors at sunsets. Shorter wavelengths of light (blue) are scattered quickly, leaving only the yellow-orange-red end of the spectrum.
The orange is often caused by pollution particles caught in the clouds. In areas where there is considerable dust or smoke pollution, orange clouds are more common. The sun, shining on the clouds, reflects off the particles.
During the sunset or sunrise, the light from the sun transverses a greater length and thus all the blue light gets scattered before it reaches us. Thus only low-frequency wavelengths (red or orange) are left to reach us and the sky appears to be orange at that time.
That's due to a phenomenon called “Rayleigh scattering”. Longer wavelengths of light, such as orange, are scattered least by molecules in the atmosphere and sunlight has to travel through more of the atmosphere when the Sun is low in the sky. Hence the sky near the Sun can appear orange at sunset.
An orange or red Sun in the early morning or late evening is a sight to behold. The sky takes on these vivid hues due to a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering.
Yellow, orange, and red indicate moderate to heavy rainfall and can also indicate hail. Whites or blues mean snowfall and pink indicates freezing rain, sleet, or a wintry mix.
Yellow= Moderate rain. Orange= Heavy Rain. Red= Very Heavy Rain or Rain & Hail.
Depending on the exact atmospheric conditions, the sky near the Sun can often appear orange or red at dawn. It's because the sunlight has to travel through more atmosphere when the Sun is low in the sky compared with when the Sun is high in the sky.
The National Weather Service says orange skies are common following storms that move in just as the sun is setting. “The orange hue is caused by the same process that causes the vivid colors at sunsets.
As climate change drives an increase in wildfires, we're seeing more smoke lofted into the upper atmosphere each fire season. Depending on wind and weather, this smoke can spread hundreds or thousands of miles from its source—as we saw in early June on the U.S. East Coast.
Severe Weather Warnings
People are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made. Strong Wind Warning - Orange. Impact: Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
An orange alert means that high temperatures are expected, and people exposed to the sun for long periods of time are more likely to develop heat-related illnesses.
Orange = Warning. These orange or predominantly orange signs and tags generally have black lettering or symbols. Orange often is used for potentially dangerous parts of machinery or equipment that may cut, crush, shock, or otherwise injure a person.
Red – indicates (1) danger, (2) stop or (3) presence of fire protection equipment.
Yellow / Amber signs are warning signs, meaning to be careful, take precautions or examine. Blue safety signs mean that a sign is mandatory and that specific behaviour or action should be carried out, such as wearing protective equipment. Green signs signal an emergency escape or first-aid available.
Orange Warning - take action
It signifies that people need to be prepared and take action as appropriate as there could be some disruption to their day and potential risk to people, animals and property. The majority of warnings issued by MetService will be orange.
Orange: heavy rain. Red: very heavy rain or rain and hail. White or blue: snow. Pink: freezing rain or sleet or mix of winter precipitation types.
Code Orange: be prepared
There is a high risk of hazardous or extreme weather with a significant impact and a high risk of damage, injury or severe inconvenience. This can be very localised. Code orange can be issued 24 hours in advance if the probability of extreme weather is 60% or more.
Wind is directed down the tube, causing the narrow end to point in the same direction the wind is blowing. Brightly colored wind socks are used at airports to help pilots determine the wind direction along the ground. Meteorologists use wind direction to help predict the weather.