Storm Cloud Over Texas

Explanation: What makes this storm cloud so colorful? First, the cloud itself is composed of millions of tiny droplets of water and ice. Its bottom is almost completely flat -- but this isn't unusual. Bottom flatness in clouds is generally caused by air temperature dropping as you go up, and that above a specific height, water-saturated air condenses out water droplets. The shape of the cloud middle is caused by a water-droplet-laden column of air being blown upward. Most unusual , though, are the orange and yellow colors. Both colors are caused by the cloud's water drops reflecting sunlight. The orange color in the cloud's middle and bottom sections are reflections of a nearly red sunset . In contrast, the yellow color of the cloud's top results from reflection of light from a not-yet-setting Sun , where some -- but less -- blue light is being scattered away . Appearing to float above the plains in Texas , the featured impressive image of a dynamic cumulonimbus cloud was captured in 2021 while investigating a tornado .