Does your novel have a scene in which a storm puts some characters in danger? Do you need assistance in explaining this scene? The following 10 words to describe the sky in a storm will help you.
1. Dark
Definition
Lacking in light; black or partially black.
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Examples
“They had expected a clear day that day, but now as they looked out at the dark sky, they knew that they were about to have a big storm on their hands.”
“Aside from what little light the moon could cast through the clouds, the sky was completely dark.”
How It Adds Description
As heavy rainclouds come in, this is going to make the sky during the storm in your story appear dark. This darkness could also serve to reflect any internal struggles that a character could be going through at this point in the story.
2. Cloudy
Definition
Overcast with clouds; a sky that is filled with clouds; unclear.
Examples
“The cloudy sky threatened rain later.”
“She stared up at the cloudy sky through the rain, wondering when this storm was ever going to end.”
How It Adds Description
A stormy sky will naturally be cloudy, so it makes sense to use the word in this context. Cloudy can also mean unclear. If a character in your story is struggling to make a decision or to figure something out, then describing the sky during the storm as cloudy could reflect your character’s own state of mind.
3. Gloomy
Definition
Partially or completely dark; depressing; lacking in promise or hope.
Examples
“He looked out the window towards the gloomy sky and wondered if his plan was worth trying at all.”
“The sky hung dark and gloomy overhead, and she pulled up her hood as the rain started to fall.”
How It Adds Description
Gloomy is one of those words with a little flexibility. You can use it to describe the literal darkness of the stormy sky. You can also use it to describe how depressing the sky may appear, and might make your characters feel in turn.
4. Dreary
Definition
Showing listlessness or discouragement; having nothing to provide comfort or cheer.
Examples
“The clouds had moved in quickly and as the rain started to pour, a dreary feeling began to sour the day.”
“She had planned on going out for a walk, but the storm and dreary sky made her feel much more inclined to stay in.”
How It Adds Description
Something that is dreary is gloomy or dismal. A stormy sky can be quite dreary because it makes it much more difficult to go outside and enjoy the day.
5. Bleak
Definition
Having no hope or encouragement; cold or lacking in warmth and life.
Examples
“She suggested a walk when they woke up, but then they took a look at the bleak sky and decided otherwise.”
“The storm clouds hanging overhead made it clear that they would have to expect a bleak day.”
How It Adds Description
Storms usually bring about a lot of cold and darkness, so it makes sense to use the word bleak to describe a stormy sky in your story. A character might also feel pretty bleak if they expected a sunny day and instead get a storm.
6. Tenebrous
Definition
Having no or little light; causing gloom or dreariness.
Examples
“The tenebrous sky hung above them, and at the sound of thunder, they knew they had to get somewhere safe quickly.”
“Lightning cracked in the tenebrous sky and a few seconds later thunder sounded, startling all of them.”
How It Adds Description
Want to describe your stormy sky in a way that’s going to stand out to your readers? The word tenebrous doesn’t get used frequently, so it will catch your reader’s eye. This can be especially effective if there’s something particularly unusual about the storm itself.
7. Pitch-Black
Definition
Completely dark or black; very difficult to see in.
Examples
“The clouds were dark and gray and soon the entire sky was pitch-black.”
“She wanted to get back to the house, but she knew that navigating the winding trails in the rain and pitch-black sky would be next to impossible.”
How It Adds Description
Is the storm in your story making it almost impossible for your characters to see? Try describing it as pitch-black. If one of your characters is stuck in this storm, describing it as pitch-black and difficult to see through can make the scene feel much more dangerous.
8. Rainy
Definition
Examples
“The sky was dark and rainy, and she knew instantly that all of her plans to work on the garden would have to wait.”
“The rainy sky would make it impossible for him to walk all the way over to her house that afternoon.”
How It Adds Description
Storms and rain tend to come hand in hand. If there’s a storm, you can count on there being rain too. Describing the sky in your story as rainy could also help to increase an overall feeling of doom and desolation.
9. Cold
Definition
Lacking in or having no warmth; marked by a temperature that is uncomfortably low.
Examples
“The sky was cold and unwelcoming, and she wondered if she would be able to take her bike to work that day after all.”
“The cold sky hung above them, and they all shivered as the rain began to fall heavily.”
How It Adds Description
The stormy sky in your story could literally cause sensations of cold. You can also use it to describe the way the storm can cause the sky to appear unwelcoming or even threatening to your characters and readers.
10. Somber
Definition
Shaded to the extent of darkness and gloom; serious, dismal, or melancholy.
Examples
“The sky appeared quite somber, and only a few minutes later it started to rain.”
“She had been so excited when she woke up to go on a long hike, but looking at the somber and rainy sky now, she knew that her plan wouldn’t be possible.”
How It Adds Description
Using the word somber to describe the sky in your story can make the overall atmosphere feel rather depressing. It can also help to add feelings of doom or claustrophobia.