Rule
Fire Sky
Arches - Fire Sky - US Southwest
Moab, Utah, United States
Those rare, intensely red and orange sunset skies
Currently
Real-time conditionsLow Cloud Cover9%
Mid Cloud Cover4%
High Cloud Cover3%
Aerosol Optical Depth0.1dimensionless
Sun Elevation59.7° (Daylight)
Upcoming Opportunities
When all conditions match, PhotoWeather marks an opportunity window.
Times shown in America/Denver
Next opportunity
Excellent Fiery Red Sky at Sunrise
Arches
Sun, Apr 19 · 06:18–07:11 · 1h window
Low confidence
31%
🔥Fiery Red Sky Potential77.8-84.3%
Low Cloud Cover: 0%
Mid Cloud Cover: 31%
High Cloud Cover: 73%
Sun Elevation: -7.5° (Nautical twilight)
What this forecast looks for
Plain-language explanation from the ruleThis forecast tracks the spectacular sunset conditions that ignite the Southwest's desert landscapes. We combine cloud coverage patterns, atmospheric particulate levels, and visibility data to predict when skies will explode with dramatic color over the region's iconic formations.
The Southwest's desert atmosphere creates fire-sky conditions unlike anywhere else in North America. Fine dust particles suspended in the dry air scatter light dramatically, while the region's distinctive red rock formations amplify and reflect sunset colors. Monsoon season brings additional drama with towering storm clouds catching golden light.
What makes the Southwest special for fire-sky photography:
- Desert dust advantage - Fine particulate matter creates intense color scattering without haze
- Red rock amplification - Sandstone formations reflect and intensify sunset colors
- Monsoon drama - July-September storms create towering cloud formations lit from below
- Slot canyon magic - Narrow canyons like Antelope glow with reflected light during golden hour
Monument Valley's mesas silhouetted against burning skies create legendary images—the combination of towering buttes and horizontal color bands is quintessential Southwest. Slot canyons like Antelope near Page become luminous during fire-sky conditions, with reflected light painting smooth sandstone walls. The hoodoos at Bryce Canyon catch alpenglow while valleys below fill with shadow. During monsoon season, clearing storms produce the most dramatic conditions—dark storm clouds lit from below by setting sun over red desert create apocalyptic beauty. White Sands offers unique opportunities where pure gypsum dunes reflect fire-sky colors with mirror-like intensity.
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72-hour requirements breakdown
What passed or failed, hour by hour0matching hours in the next 85 hours
AND logic: all conditions required
Meets requirement
Misses requirement
Time America/Denver | Golden Hour Any | Fiery Red Sky Potential ≥ 65.0% | Precipitation Chance ≤ 15.0% | Visibility ≥ 8000.0m |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Apr 10 | ||||
| 23:00 | ✕ | 0% | 28% | 24134m |
| Sat, Apr 11 | ||||
| 24:00 | ✕ | 0% | 22% | 24134m |
| 01:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24135m |
| 02:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24134m |
| 03:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24134m |
| 04:00 | ✕ | 0% | 16% | 24135m |
| 05:00 | ✕ | 0% | 33% | 24135m |
| 06:00 | ✓ | 0% | 49% | 24134m |
| 07:00 | ✓ | 7.8% | 28% | 24134m |
| 08:00 | ✕ | 0% | 33% | 24135m |
| 09:00 | ✕ | 0% | 39% | 24135m |
| 10:00 | ✕ | 0% | 39% | 24135m |
| 11:00 | ✕ | 0% | 39% | 24008m |
| 12:00 | ✕ | 0% | 39% | 24135m |
| 13:00 | ✕ | 0% | 26% | 24135m |
| 14:00 | ✕ | 0% | 13% | 24134m |
| 15:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24134m |
| 16:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24134m |
| 17:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24135m |
| 18:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24134m |
| 19:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24135m |
| 20:00 | ✕ | 35% | 0% | 24135m |
| 21:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24135m |
| 22:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24134m |
| 23:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24135m |
| Sun, Apr 12 | ||||
| 24:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24134m |
| 01:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24135m |
| 02:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24135m |
| 03:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24134m |
| 04:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24135m |
| 05:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24135m |
| 06:00 | ✓ | 0.4% | 0% | 24135m |
| 07:00 | ✓ | 60% | 0% | 24135m |
| 08:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24135m |
| 09:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24135m |
| 10:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24135m |
| 11:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24134m |
| 12:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24134m |
| 13:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24134m |
| 14:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24135m |
| 15:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24135m |
| 16:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24135m |
| 17:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24135m |
| 18:00 | ✕ | 0% | 0% | 24135m |
| 19:00 | ✕ | 0% | 13% | 24135m |
| 20:00 | ✕ | 28% | 26% | 24135m |
| 21:00 | ✕ | 0% | 39% | 24135m |
| 22:00 | ✕ | 0% | 39% | 24134m |
| 23:00 | ✕ | 0% | 39% | 24134m |
| Mon, Apr 13 | ||||
| 24:00 | ✕ | 0% | 39% | 24135m |
| 01:00 | ✕ | 0% | 33% | 24135m |
| 02:00 | ✕ | 0% | 28% | 24134m |
| 03:00 | ✕ | 0% | 22% | 24135m |
| 04:00 | ✕ | 0% | 27% | 24134m |
| 05:00 | ✕ | 0% | 32% | 24135m |
| 06:00 | ✓ | 0.7% | 38% | 24135m |
| 07:00 | ✓ | 13% | 42% | 24135m |
| 08:00 | ✕ | 0% | 46% | 24135m |
| 09:00 | ✕ | 0% | 50% | 24134m |
| 10:00 | ✕ | 0% | 39% | 24134m |
| 11:00 | ✕ | 0% | 28% | 24135m |
| 12:00 | ✕ | 0% | 17% | 24135m |
| 13:00 | ✕ | 0% | 24% | 24134m |
| 14:00 | ✕ | 0% | 30% | 24135m |
| 15:00 | ✕ | 0% | 37% | 24134m |
| 16:00 | ✕ | 0% | 53% | 24135m |
| 17:00 | ✕ | 0% | 68% | 24135m |
| 18:00 | ✕ | 0% | 84% | 24134m |
| 19:00 | ✕ | 0% | 71% | 24134m |
| 20:00 | ✕ | 12% | 59% | 24135m |
| 21:00 | ✕ | 0% | 47% | 24135m |
| 22:00 | ✕ | 0% | 54% | 19347m |
| 23:00 | ✕ | 0% | 62% | 14559m |
| Tue, Apr 14 | ||||
| 24:00 | ✕ | 0% | 69% | 9771m |
| 01:00 | ✕ | 0% | 65% | 6553m |
| 02:00 | ✕ | 0% | 61% | 3335m |
| 03:00 | ✕ | 0% | 57% | 118m |
| 04:00 | ✕ | 0% | 54% | 3339m |
| 05:00 | ✕ | 0% | 52% | 6560m |
| 06:00 | ✓ | 0.2% | 49% | 9781m |
| 07:00 | ✓ | 10% | 40% | 14566m |
| 08:00 | ✕ | 0% | 31% | 19350m |
| 09:00 | ✕ | 0% | 22% | 24135m |
| 10:00 | ✕ | 0% | 31% | 24135m |
| 11:00 | ✕ | 0% | 41% | 24135m |
How to read: colored cells show whether each predicate requirement is met; highlighted rows mean the full rule matched (an opportunity).
What does Fiery Red Sky Potential mean?
Inputs that drive the scoreThis derived score summarizes multiple raw weather signals. The table below shows the supporting inputs hour by hour, so you can see what's pushing the score up or down.
| Time America/Denver | Aerosol Optical Depth (550nm) | Clear Sky Probability (Ensemble) % | Cloud Cover Uncertainty (Ensemble) % | Dust AOD (550nm) | Golden Hour | High Clouds % | Low Clouds % | Mid-Level Clouds % | RH @ 700 hPa % | Smoke AOD (550nm) | Solar Elevation ° | Sunshine Duration seconds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Apr 11
Sunrise 06:47
Sunset 19:50 | ||||||||||||
| 13:00 ☾ | 0.06 | 3% | 17% | 0.01 | - | 3% | 9% | 4% | 61% | 0.005 | 60° | 3600seconds |
| 14:00 ☾ | 0.06 | 3% | 19% | 0.01 | - | 0% | 9% | 98% | 52% | 0.005 | 59° | 3600seconds |
| 15:00 ☾ | 0.06 | 3% | 20% | 0.01 | - | 0% | 4% | 93% | 43% | 0.005 | 52° | 3600seconds |
| 16:00 ☾ | 0.05 | 3% | 20% | 0.009 | - | 18% | 1% | 70% | 37% | 0.004 | 43° | 3600seconds |
| 17:00 ☾ | 0.04 | 3% | 20% | 0.007 | - | 0% | 0% | 0% | 32% | 0.004 | 32° | 3600seconds |
| 18:00 ☾ | 0.03 | 3% | 20% | 0.007 | - | 0% | 0% | 49% | 26% | 0.004 | 21° | 3600seconds |
| 19:00 ☾ | 0.03 | 16% | 23% | 0.006 | - | 0% | 0% | 32% | 25% | 0.003 | 9.2° | 3600seconds |
| 20:00 ☾ | 0.03 | 30% | 27% | 0.005 | - | 0% | 0% | 20% | 24% | 0.003 | -2.4° | 0seconds |
| 21:00 ☾ | 0.03 | 43% | 30% | 0.005 | - | 0% | 0% | 1% | 22% | 0.003 | -14° | 0seconds |
| 22:00 ☾ | 0.03 | 52% | 26% | 0.005 | - | 0% | 0% | 1% | 24% | 0.003 | -24° | 0seconds |
| 23:00 ☾ | 0.03 | 60% | 23% | 0.005 | - | 0% | 0% | 1% | 26% | 0.004 | -33° | 0seconds |
| Sun, Apr 12
Sunrise 06:46
Sunset 19:51 | ||||||||||||
| 24:00 ☾ | 0.03 | 69% | 19% | 0.005 | - | 0% | 0% | 0% | 27% | 0.004 | -39° | 0seconds |
| 01:00 ☾ | 0.03 | 79% | 14% | 0.005 | - | 0% | 0% | 0% | 29% | 0.004 | -42° | 0seconds |
| 02:00 ☾ | 0.03 | 89% | 10% | 0.006 | - | 0% | 0% | 0% | 31% | 0.004 | -42° | 0seconds |
| 03:00 ☾ | 0.03 | 99% | 5% | 0.007 | - | 0% | 0% | 0% | 32% | 0.004 | -37° | 0seconds |
| 04:00 ☾ | 0.03 | 99% | 5% | 0.007 | - | 0% | 0% | 0% | 33% | 0.004 | -30° | 0seconds |
| 05:00 ☾ | 0.03 | 100% | 4% | 0.008 | - | 5% | 0% | 0% | 35% | 0.004 | -20° | 0seconds |
| 06:00 ☾ | 0.04 | 100% | 4% | 0.009 | - | 5% | 0% | 0% | 36% | 0.004 | -9.5° | 0seconds |
| 07:00 ☾ | 0.04 | 92% | 10% | 0.01 | - | 95% | 0% | 0% | 37% | 0.004 | 2.1° | 0seconds |
| 08:00 ☾ | 0.04 | 83% | 16% | 0.01 | - | 23% | 0% | 0% | 37% | 0.004 | 14° | 0seconds |
| 09:00 ☾ | 0.04 | 75% | 22% | 0.01 | - | 58% | 0% | 0% | 38% | 0.004 | 25° | 0seconds |
| 10:00 ☾ | 0.05 | 66% | 22% | 0.01 | - | 70% | 0% | 0% | 38% | 0.005 | 37° | 3600seconds |
| 11:00 ☾ | 0.05 | 57% | 21% | 0.01 | - | 90% | 0% | 1% | 37% | 0.005 | 47° | 3600seconds |
| 12:00 ☾ | 0.05 | 48% | 21% | 0.009 | - | 8% | 0% | 0% | 36% | 0.005 | 55° | 3600seconds |
| 13:00 ☾ | 0.05 | 50% | 25% | 0.008 | - | 0% | 0% | 1% | 35% | 0.006 | 60° | 3600seconds |
| 14:00 ☾ | 0.05 | 51% | 29% | 0.008 | - | 4% | 0% | 24% | 33% | 0.006 | 59° | 3600seconds |
| 15:00 ☾ | 0.06 | 53% | 33% | 0.008 | - | 5% | 0% | 100% | 31% | 0.006 | 53° | 3600seconds |
| 16:00 ☾ | 0.06 | 44% | 32% | 0.009 | - | 5% | 0% | 99% | 28% | 0.006 | 43° | 3600seconds |
| 17:00 ☾ | 0.06 | 35% | 31% | 0.009 | - | 5% | 0% | 82% | 25% | 0.006 | 32° | 3600seconds |
| 18:00 ☾ | 0.05 | 26% | 30% | 0.008 | - | 5% | 0% | 86% | 22% | 0.006 | 21° | 3600seconds |
| 19:00 ☾ | - | 26% | 32% | - | - | 13% | 0% | 81% | 25% | - | 9.3° | 3600seconds |
| 20:00 ☾ | - | 25% | 35% | - | - | 14% | 0% | 88% | 28% | - | -2.2° | 0seconds |
| 21:00 ☾ | - | 25% | 37% | - | - | 28% | 0% | 79% | 30% | - | -13° | 0seconds |
| 22:00 ☾ | - | 28% | 35% | - | - | 48% | 0% | 5% | 36% | - | -24° | 0seconds |
| 23:00 ☾ | - | 32% | 34% | - | - | 50% | 0% | 14% | 41% | - | -32° | 0seconds |
| Mon, Apr 13
Sunrise 06:44
Sunset 19:51 | ||||||||||||
| 24:00 ☾ | - | 35% | 32% | - | - | 86% | 0% | 56% | 47% | - | -39° | 0seconds |
| 01:00 ☾ | - | 42% | 35% | - | - | 73% | 0% | 82% | 53% | - | -42° | 0seconds |
| 02:00 ☾ | - | 50% | 38% | - | - | 8% | 0% | 80% | 59% | - | -41° | 0seconds |
| 03:00 ☾ | - | 57% | 41% | - | - | 0% | 0% | 4% | 65% | - | -37° | 0seconds |
| 04:00 ☾ | - | 54% | 39% | - | - | 0% | 1% | 3% | 70% | - | -29° | 0seconds |
| 05:00 ☾ | - | 52% | 36% | - | - | 0% | 22% | 87% | 76% | - | -20° | 0seconds |
| 06:00 ☾ | - | 49% | 34% | - | - | 0% | 44% | 76% | 82% | - | -9.2° | 0seconds |
| 07:00 ☾ | - | 49% | 35% | - | - | 0% | 17% | 30% | 81% | - | 2.4° | 0seconds |
| 08:00 ☾ | - | 50% | 36% | - | - | 0% | 2% | 0% | 80% | - | 14° | 0seconds |
| 09:00 ☾ | - | 50% | 37% | - | - | 0% | 5% | 0% | 80% | - | 25° | 0seconds |
| 10:00 ☾ | - | 45% | 35% | - | - | 0% | 5% | 0% | 75% | - | 37° | 3600seconds |
| 11:00 ☾ | - | 40% | 33% | - | - | 0% | 4% | 2% | 69% | - | 47° | 3600seconds |
| 12:00 ☾ | - | 35% | 31% | - | - | 0% | 3% | 4% | 64% | - | 56° | 3600seconds |
| 13:00 ☾ | - | 26% | 29% | - | - | 0% | 1% | 10% | 64% | - | 60° | 3600seconds |
| 14:00 ☾ | - | 16% | 27% | - | - | 5% | 1% | 27% | 64% | - | 59° | 3600seconds |
| 15:00 ☾ | - | 7% | 25% | - | - | 25% | 1% | 26% | 64% | - | 53° | 3600seconds |
| 16:00 ☾ | - | 7% | 25% | - | - | 100% | 0% | 36% | 57% | - | 44° | 3600seconds |
| 17:00 ☾ | - | 6% | 24% | - | - | 100% | 1% | 48% | 50% | - | 33° | 3600seconds |
| 18:00 ☾ | - | 6% | 24% | - | - | 100% | 1% | 91% | 43% | - | 21° | 3600seconds |
| 19:00 ☾ | - | 7% | 25% | - | - | 98% | 5% | 88% | 47% | - | 9.5° | 2400seconds |
| 20:00 ☾ | - | 9% | 27% | - | - | 97% | 9% | 86% | 52% | - | -2° | 1200seconds |
| 21:00 ☾ | - | 10% | 28% | - | - | 95% | 14% | 83% | 57% | - | -13° | 0seconds |
| 22:00 ☾ | - | 7% | 25% | - | - | 94% | 41% | 89% | 69% | - | -23° | 0seconds |
| 23:00 ☾ | - | 5% | 21% | - | - | 93% | 69% | 94% | 82% | - | -32° | 0seconds |
| Tue, Apr 14
Sunrise 06:43
Sunset 19:52 | ||||||||||||
| 24:00 ☾ | - | 2% | 18% | - | - | 92% | 96% | 100% | 94% | - | -39° | 0seconds |
| 01:00 ☾ | - | 3% | 20% | - | - | 94% | 97% | 100% | 91% | - | -42° | 0seconds |
| 02:00 ☾ | - | 5% | 22% | - | - | 97% | 99% | 100% | 87% | - | -41° | 0seconds |
| 03:00 ☾ | - | 6% | 24% | - | - | 100% | 100% | 100% | 84% | - | -36° | 0seconds |
| 04:00 ☾ | - | 5% | 23% | - | - | 100% | 81% | 100% | 89% | - | -29° | 0seconds |
| 05:00 ☾ | - | 5% | 22% | - | - | 100% | 61% | 100% | 94% | - | -20° | 0seconds |
| 06:00 ☾ | - | 4% | 21% | - | - | 100% | 42% | 100% | 99% | - | -8.9° | 0seconds |
| 07:00 ☾ | - | 7% | 25% | - | - | 98% | 28% | 100% | 99% | - | 2.6° | 1200seconds |
| 08:00 ☾ | - | 11% | 28% | - | - | 95% | 14% | 100% | 99% | - | 14° | 2400seconds |
| 09:00 ☾ | - | 14% | 32% | - | - | 92% | 1% | 100% | 99% | - | 26° | 3600seconds |
| 10:00 ☾ | - | 17% | 33% | - | - | 83% | 0% | 89% | 93% | - | 37° | 3600seconds |
| 11:00 ☾ | - | 19% | 35% | - | - | 73% | 0% | 79% | 88% | - | 48° | 3600seconds |
| 12:00 ☾ | - | 22% | 36% | - | - | 64% | 0% | 68% | 83% | - | 56° | 3600seconds |
How to read: these inputs help produce the derived score; they are not requirements by themselves.
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