Janice R. Andrews
As Hurricane Milton approached Florida on Wednesday evening, residents witnessed an extraordinary sight: the sky transformed into a vivid purple hue. This rare phenomenon was observed across various cities, including Palm Beach, Fort Myers, and St. Petersburg, both before and during the Category 3 hurricane’s landfall.
The Science Behind the Purple Sky
The unusual coloration is attributed to a natural process called Rayleigh scattering, as explained by AccuWeather meteorologist Brett Rossio. This occurs when sunlight interacts with atmospheric particles, causing shorter wavelengths (blues and purples) to scatter more readily than longer ones.
During sunset, the angle of sunlight changes, typically resulting in warm hues. However, Hurricane Milton’s presence significantly increased atmospheric moisture, enhancing the scattering effect. This combination of factors led to the striking purple skies observed by Florida residents.
Conditions for Purple Skies
The appearance of purple skies during storms is uncommon but not unprecedented. It requires specific atmospheric conditions, often associated with major weather events like hurricanes or typhoons. The phenomenon is particularly likely when:
- There’s increased water vapor in the atmosphere
- The sun is setting
- Stratocumulus clouds are present in the eastern sky
- The western sky begins to clear
Rossio noted that predicting this occurrence is as challenging as forecasting a rainbow’s location due to the precise blend of conditions required.
Historical Context
While not unique to Hurricane Milton, purple skies have been observed during other significant storms, such as Hurricane Florence (Category 1) and Hurricane Michael (Category 5) in 2018. However, it’s important to note that not all hurricanes produce this effect.
Impact on Residents
For many Floridians, the purple skies provided a moment of awe-inspiring beauty amidst the impending danger of Hurricane Milton. The surreal spectacle served as a memorable prelude to the destructive storm that followed, leaving a lasting impression on those who witnessed it.
Despite the return of normal sky conditions, the image of the electric purple sunset before Hurricane Milton’s arrival will likely remain a vivid memory for Florida residents, serving as a reminder of nature’s capacity for both beauty and devastation.
