Weather Myths
Green Sky Before a Storm: Myth, Hail Clue, or Tornado Warning?
What a green sky can and cannot tell you before severe weather, and why sky color is not a reliable tornado warning.
Quick answer: A greenish sky can occur near intense storms, but it is not a reliable tornado warning by itself.
Why it happens
Storm light, low sun angle, heavy precipitation, and scattering can make the sky look unusual.
People often associate green skies with hail or severe storms because they can happen near intense thunderstorm cores.
What it does not mean
A green sky does not prove a tornado is present.
Some tornadoes happen without green skies, and some green skies happen without tornadoes.
What to use instead
Use warnings, radar, weather radio, and trusted local information.
If a severe storm warning is active, move indoors regardless of sky color.