News Beat
Why Did Storm Goretti Turn Birmingham’s Sky Bright Pink?
Storm Goretti has hit the UK, bringing with it heavy snowfall and incredibly strong winds.
The harsh weather conditions, which have risen from the south to meet the UK’s existing cold front, led to multiple weather warnings.
But it’s unlikely that even the most diligent forecast-checker would have expected the luminous pink sky seen by some in Birmingham during the storm.
So why did the highlighter-bright shade, described by the BBC as “Stranger Things pink,” take over?
Why was the sky pink in Birmingham?
It’s a combination of the weather conditions and the neon pink lights of Birmingham City Football Club.
The presence of falling snow and large, reflective clouds amplified the hue across the city, the BBC explained.
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge added, “The blue wavelengths of light are more easily scattered by snow or water droplets, allowing the longer wavelengths – such as red and orange – to get through.
“This can have the effect of turning colours more pink or orange.”
Basically, Storm Goretti reflected a lot more of the bright pink lights from Birmingham City Football Club than is usual because of the amount of reflective precipitation and clouds it brought to the atmosphere.
And the way that snow and water reflect light amplifies red and orange shades more than others, making the pink extra-pink.
Why are there pink lights in Birmingham City Football Club to begin with?
OK, so that’s why the pink light was amplified.
But why are their fuchsia bulbs in the stadium to begin with?
Well, according to ITVX’s sports correspondent, Dan Salisbury-Jones, these are from heat lamps used by the stadium.
“They are using LED lighting rigs to help the grass recover as quickly as possible between matches,” he explained.
“Birmingham’s are provided by a Dutch company called SGL Systems in case you’d like one for your lawn!”
