Originally posted by mercia
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2) Shafts of the rising sun reflecting on the whispy high clouds and undersides of medium-level cloud bands of a frontal system approaching from the west.
3) Shafts of the setting sun reflecting on the ditto of a frontal system retreating to the east.
4) Setting sun reflecting on retreating cumulus and cumulonimbus after a showery or thundery day.
The well-known saying, "Red sky at night, shepherd's delight", is somewhat misleading. Generally speaking, if the red of a sunset is spread low across a horizon more-or-less clear of cloud, this is a good sign for the next day; if the red is reflected more onto, in particular, medium and high level cloud bands to create those especially dramatic sunsets, this is not a usually a good portent unless the sky to the west is more-or-less clear of such cloud, as in 3) above, indicating a stable airstream replacing instability.
Yellow, or colourless sunsets are generally a bad sign of weather to come.
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