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Here’s the eye-opening reason why rain clouds look black, even when they’re water

2016-03-22 , 10:41 am

Last Updated on 2016-05-19 , 1:54 pm

Remember how as kids we used to learn about the different kinds of clouds, how they are formed and how the water cycle happens? But funnily enough, we never learn why the clouds look so dark when it’s about to rain. Actually all I can recall is the water cycle and some kinds of clouds but other than that, nothing else.

When it’s about to rain, many of us will look towards the sky and comment, “Whoa the clouds look angry”. But have we ever wondered why they turn so dark when it’s about to rain? Because it’s such a natural and regular phenomenon, we usually don’t think any further.

But for those who are wondering, let me enlighten you with some facts.

The water cycle
So, you already understand the water cycle right? Water vapour rises and condenses when it hits the cooler atmospheric air. There, the white, fluffy clouds we are so used to seeing are formed. When two clouds collide, that’s where my story begins. You see, because rain clouds are thicker and taller, they appear to be dark.

Why are rain clouds thicker and taller?
Well, that’s because they gather more water droplets and ice crystals and thus results in less light being able to penetrate through. When this happens, lesser light gets scattered to our eyes and so the base of the clouds look gray when we look at them from the ground. In fact, as the water droplets get larger, so too does the dark cloud effect.

And it’s not just for rain clouds
If you have been to countries where it is snowing, you may have noticed how heavy and dark the clouds are consistently throughout the day. I’m sure you would have guessed by now why this is so right? And you are probably absolutely correct. Snow is definitely denser than normal rain droplets so the clouds appear heavier and darker at the base comparatively. And when clouds are denser, they tend to absorb more light than scatter it, adding to the bleariness of the weather.

Then again, some of us like it when it rains don’t we? I love it when it does, what with the cooler weather and our break from the hot sun, it’s pure heaven. The heavier clouds block out a lot of the heat that we Singaporeans put up with on a daily basis so it’s really a godsend to us when we get some respite from it.

Some of you may also particularly enjoy the gray skies of winter because it brings about a melancholy, almost romantic feel, especially if you are in the situation with a loved one.

The next time you come across a blustery weather, just have a seat, make yourself comfortable and look up towards the sky. If you are on a date, it will feel like a scene out of a Korean drama with you facing the clouds and asking your date if they know why rain clouds are so dark.

Don’t just run away so soon. The rain clouds need some time to form before pouring so take a moment to enjoy the cool breeze that comes with the impending downpour.

Top Image: 1000 Words / Shutterstock.com

Here’s the eye-opening reason why rain clouds look black, even when they’re water

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