Why is sky sometimes white in winter?

Question

When a snowstorm is coming, the sky gets all pale and flushed like it's about to throw a big one on us. Why?

It is kind of awesome though if you go somewhere really flat where you can only see the sky and snow and it's just a big nothing.

Answer 1

High level clouds cover the sky - thats why you see nothing but white, but no apparent clouds

Answer 2

Maybe it's something to do with the fact the cloud cover is so low and heavy that the sun cannot really penetrate - it should also be refractions of water or snow particles reflecting downwards. I guess it would happen more this way if it was cold enough for snow.

I think a similar thing happens in winter with rain - the sky becomes heavy and overcast, becoming quite dull and grey - a kind if oppressive darkness. I think this would be because the cloud contents then would mainly be water and with the contamination we have, rather dirty, so the refraction of light would be darker and heavier.

I much prefer the look of white, light skies.

Answer 3

Clouds

Answer 4

the sky is blue because it reflects the sea.when clouds get in the way,it looks white.it loses the blue. :)

Answer 5

Suspended ice-crystals change the refractive index.

Answer 6

I would say the clouds filtering the sunlight.

Answer 7

It is most of the time a sign of snoww.

Answer 8

wow kind of like it is now! maybe clouds just do that when its cold

Answer 9

They would like to be more in fashion with the season...Fahlalalala ;)

Answer 10

well God made it like that