Key Highlights
- The mystery behind Birmingham’s purple sky during Storm Goretti has been solved.
- Pictures revealed the source of the glow was actually pink light from grow lamps at Birmingham City Football Club.
- BBC weather presenter Simon King explained atmospheric conditions contributed to the strange phenomenon.
- Storm Goretti marks the first named storm of 2026 to affect the UK, with severe weather alerts issued across several regions.
The Purple Sky Over Birmingham: A Weather Mystery Solved
Birmingham’s skyline turned a mysterious shade of purple last night as locals were left baffled by an unusual glow in the sky during Storm Goretti. The atmospheric phenomenon has now been cracked, with images revealing that the source of the light was not purple but actually pink.
The True Cause Revealed
According to aerial shots captured during the storm, the strange glowing effect was caused by grow lights from Birmingham City Football Club being reflected in the sky. BBC weather presenter Simon King offered an explanation: “Atmospheric conditions with low cloud and even during snow can make the sky a little more reflective and show a glow of street lighting, buildings, and even purple lights from football stadiums.”
Storm Goretti’s Impact on the UK
Storm Goretti, christened by Meteo-France, marks the first named storm of 2026 to batter the United Kingdom. The severe weather system has brought heavy snowfall and strong winds, leading to widespread disruptions across various regions.
Red Alerts and Amber Warnings
The Met Office issued a red “danger to life” alert for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, while amber warnings for snow and fierce winds covered the Midlands and the Isles of Scilly. Rainfall presents an extra threat across parts of Wales and eastern England, with the National Grid reporting that approximately 60,000 properties have been left without gas or electricity as a result of Storm Goretti.
Transport Disruptions
In response to the severe snowfall, West Midlands officials warned about “the worst snowfall in a decade.” Several train routes, including those between Sheffield and Manchester and between Nottingham and Lincoln, will remain closed until after 10 am on Friday. Birmingham airport also issued a statement: “Reduced runway operations have resumed. The safety of our colleagues and customers is our number one priority. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.” Passengers are advised to check their flight status with their airline.
Conclusion
The mystery of the purple sky in Birmingham has been solved, revealing a fascinating example of how atmospheric conditions can create unusual optical phenomena during storms. As Storm Goretti continues its impact across the UK, it serves as a reminder of nature’s unpredictable and often awe-inspiring forces.
Stay safe and keep your umbrellas ready!
