Why do some winter storms produce freezing rain instead of snow?
Quick Answer
Freezing rain happens when snow melts into rain in a warm layer aloft, then falls through a shallow layer of cold air near the ground. The drops stay liquid until they hit a surface and freeze on contact.
The Full Story
The vertical temperature profile of the atmosphere determines whether precipitation falls as snow, sleet, or freezing rain. In freezing rain events, a layer above 0 °C melts falling snow into liquid raindrops, but the near-surface air remains below freezing and is too shallow to refreeze the drops before they land. The liquid then freezes on roads, trees, and power lines, creating dangerous ice accretion. Even a few millimeters of glaze can cause major travel disruptions and power outages.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Why can rain turn into instant ice on the way down?"
Was this answer helpful?
Tap a reaction — it helps us pick what to cover next.