Weather
Ask the meteorologist: Why are storm clouds dark?
When on the side opposite the sun, the cloud appears dark due to limited light penetration, creating darkness beneath the storm.
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Question: I've always wondered why storm clouds are dark in color. Why is that? — Chris
Answer: Clouds that are deep enough to produce heavy rain, lightning and hail contain a tremendous amount of water in the form of cloud droplets, rain drops, ice crystals and hail, all of which can scatter, reflect and absorb light.
If you happen to be on the opposite side of such a cloud from the sun, it will appear dark due to the lack of light passing though it, and likewise it will become rather dark underneath the storm.
On the other hand, if you were above the same storm cloud – between the sun and the cloud – it will appear bright white due to the light it reflects and scatters back toward you.
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