Why Atmospheric Temps Determine Snow, Sleet or Rain
Why Atmospheric Temps Determine Snow, Sleet or Rain
US · Published Dec 8, 2025
Winter precipitation type (snow, sleet, or rain) is determined by the temperature of air layers above ground level.
Sleet forms when melted snowflakes refreeze into ice pellets before hitting the ground, while freezing rain occurs when supercooled raindrops freeze upon contact with a freezing surface.
Shifting atmospheric temperatures during winter storms often result in mixed precipitation, making accurate weather forecasting a challenge.
Atmospheric temperatures determine snow, sleet, or rain
Winter weather can be unpredictable, and one of the most fascinating aspects is how atmospheric temperatures determine whether we see snow, sleet, or rain. It's not just about the temperature at ground level; the layers of air high above us play a crucial role in what form precipitation takes when it reaches the surface.
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