storm clouds
Dark, gathering masses
Storm clouds are dark, heavy clouds that signal approaching rain, thunder, or severe weather.
Figuratively, storm clouds suggest trouble ahead: Storm clouds are gathering over the economy.
The phrase almost always appears in the plural, emphasizing accumulation and threat.
Suggesting something bad approaches
- threateningExpressing intent to harm
- loomingAppearing threateningly close
- darkeningGrowing less bright
- gatheringCollection of people meeting
brewing · approaching · warning · portent · harbinger · premonition · augury · apprehension
Sky fully veiled
- grayNeutral achromatic hue
- leadenOppressively heavy or dull
- heavyOf great mass
- oppressiveUnjustly harsh or stifling
sullen · gloom · murky · turbulent · roiling · billowing · towering · cumulonimbus
ominous
Suggesting something bad approaches
- threateningExpressing intent to harm
- loomingAppearing threateningly close
- darkeningGrowing less bright
gathering · brewing · approaching · warning · portent · harbinger · premonition · augury · apprehension · dread
overcast
Sky fully veiled
oppressive · sullen · gloom · murky · turbulent · roiling · billowing · towering · cumulonimbus · thunderhead
rain
Water dropping from clouds
- thunderStorm's acoustic aftermath
- lightningAtmospheric electrical discharge
- downpourIntense precipitation event
precipitation · hail · squall · deluge · cloudburst · torrent · tempest · gale · monsoon · showers
trouble
Difficulty or distress
- crisisDecisive dangerous moment
- conflictOpposition between parties
- turmoilViolent disturbance or confusion
upheaval · tension · discord · unrest · danger · threat · problems · difficulties · disaster · doom
- weatherweather, rain, sun, snow, wind
- dramatic imagerylightning, silhouette, shadow, fire, flames
- cloud artcloudscapes, cumulus, cirrus, stratus, nimbus
- rain cloudsnimbostratus, cumulonimbus, nimbus, thunderhead
- sky artcloudscapes, skywriting, skyscapes, cloud formations, dramatic skies
- skyblue sky, cloud, sun, moon, stars
storm cloudsclear skies
Absence of cloud cover
blue sky · sunshine · fair weather · sunny skies · high pressure
storm cloudssmooth sailing
Untroubled progress forward
silver lining · blue skies · clear sailing · ray of hope · green light
storm, stormy, clouds, storming, snowstorm, storms, thunderstorm, stormed, sandstorm