Sunset Forecast Today
Will tonight's sunset be worth watching? Get accurate sunset quality predictions based on cloud cover, humidity, and atmospheric conditions. Updated every hour for the most accurate forecasts.
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Today's Sunset Forecast by City
What Makes a Good Sunset?
Not all sunsets are created equal. The quality of a sunset depends on several atmospheric factors that our forecast algorithm analyzes to predict how spectacular tonight's display will be.
Key Factors That Affect Sunset Quality
☁️ Cloud Cover
Clouds are essential for colorful sunsets. Mid-level and high clouds (like altocumulus and cirrus) act as a canvas, reflecting the warm colors of the setting sun. 20-70% cloud cover often produces the best results.
💧 Humidity
Moderate humidity levels help scatter light and create vibrant colors. Very dry air can result in pale sunsets, while too much humidity may create hazy conditions.
🌡️ Air Quality
Clean air with some particles (like dust or aerosols) can enhance sunset colors. Heavy pollution or smoke typically creates muddy, less vibrant sunsets.
🏔️ Cloud Height
Higher clouds can catch sunlight for longer after the sun dips below the horizon, extending the colorful display. Cirrus clouds at 20,000+ feet create the longest-lasting colors.
Why Are Sunsets Orange and Red?
When the sun is near the horizon, its light travels through more of Earth's atmosphere than when it's overhead. This longer path causes more of the blue light to scatter away, leaving the warmer red and orange wavelengths to dominate the sky.
Clouds then act as reflectors, catching these warm colors and displaying them across the sky. The best sunsets occur when there's enough cloud cover to reflect light, but not so much that the sun is completely blocked.
More Forecasts & Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the sunset be good tonight?▼
Sunset quality depends on cloud cover, humidity, and atmospheric conditions. Select your city above or download the Alpenglow app for a personalized forecast with quality percentage predictions updated throughout the day.
What time is sunset today?▼
Sunset time varies by location and date. Select your city from the list above to see today's exact sunset time, or use the Alpenglow app for precise timing including golden hour and twilight periods.
How accurate are sunset forecasts?▼
Our sunset forecasts use data from the NAM and GFS weather models, analyzing cloud cover, humidity, and atmospheric conditions. Forecasts are most accurate within 24-48 hours of the event and are updated multiple times per day.
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