Why did skies in Chhattisgarh turn blood-red? Here's what really happened
The skies over parts of Chhattisgarh reportedly turned an eerie shade of red as strong winds and unsettled weather associated with Cyclone Arnab swept across the region, leaving residents stunned and triggering speculation about the unusual phenomenon.
Videos and images of the reddish skies have circulated on social media, with residents sharing glimpses of the striking spectacle.
The unusual colour appeared amid warnings of thunderstorms, gusty winds and heavy rainfall across parts of central India as the remnants of Cyclone Arnab moved inland.
But was the cyclone responsible for the blood-red skies? Unusual red skies have reportedly been witnessed in some parts of Chhattisgarh as strong winds associated with the weather system named Cyclone Arnab sweep across the region. The striking visuals have caught attention on social media, with residents sharing footage of the unusual sky. Wind speeds have reportedly reached 60-80 km/h, with gusts of up to 90 km/h. The conditions have raised concerns about potential damage, fallen trees and disruptions, particularly in areas exposed to strong winds. However, the cause of the red appearance has not been independently confirmed, and the reported cyclone details should be checked against official India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletins before publication. Residents are advised to follow official weather alerts and local authorities' instructions.— Omprakash Sirvi (SR) (@imOmprakashhh) October 29, 2026
The weather system may have contributed to the conditions, but the available information does not establish a direct link between Cyclone Arnab and the unusual colour. Atmospheric conditions, cloud cover, airborne dust and the position of the Sun can all influence the colours seen in the sky.WHY DOES THE SKY TURN RED?
The reddish appearance of the sky is often linked to the scattering of sunlight by molecules and particles in the atmosphere.
During sunrise and sunset, sunlight travels through a longer stretch of the atmosphere. Shorter wavelengths, such as blue light, are scattered more strongly, allowing longer wavelengths, including red and orange, to become more prominent.
This process is commonly explained through Rayleigh scattering, although larger particles such as dust, smoke and water droplets can also influence the colour and intensity of the light through other scattering processes.Sky turns red in some areas of Chhattisgarh due to cyclone Arnab. Brings winds of 60-80 km/h with gusts upto 90 km/h. Residents are adviced to follow official weather alerts and local authorities instructions. #CycloneArnab #WeatherAlert #CycloneUpdate https://t.co/fRKPGp2hTp— Nisha Yadav (@valuecraft_) October 28, 2026
Storm clouds, suspended dust and changes in atmospheric visibility can produce unusual combinations of light and shadow, creating dramatic red or orange skies under certain conditions.
However, attributing the Chhattisgarh sighting specifically to Rayleigh scattering through storm moisture and particulate layers would require further observations of the atmospheric conditions at the time.STRONG WINDS RAISE CONCERNS
The unusual skies appeared alongside reports of strong winds reaching 60–80 kmph, with gusts reportedly touching 90 kmph in affected areas.
Such conditions can uproot trees, damage weak structures, disrupt electricity supply and create hazardous travel conditions, particularly during thunderstorms.
Cyclone Arnab weakened after making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, but its remnants continued moving inland, bringing rainfall threats to several states.
While the red skies have captured public attention, the immediate concern remains the unsettled weather and its potential impact. Residents should follow official weather alerts and exercise caution during thunderstorms and strong winds.
For now, the striking phenomenon remains an atmospheric spectacle whose precise cause requires local weather observations and further scientific assessment.- Ends
