Home / Weather News /

How atmospheric temperatures determine winter precipitation types

01:00 PM
February 4, 2025

Snow, sleet or ice
How atmospheric temps shape winter precipitation

A couple walk along the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago during a snowstorm.

Winter weather isn't just about freezing temperatures at the surface; it's all about what's happening in the atmosphere above.

The type of precipitation we experience — whether it's snow, sleet, freezing rain, or rain — depends on the temperature layers the precipitation passes through as it falls. Each layer of air above us can have a different temperature, influencing whether precipitation stays frozen or melts before reaching the ground.

Here's how each type of winter precipitation is formed:

  • Snow forms when the entire column of air from the clouds to the surface is below freezing (32°F/0°C). The snowflakes remain frozen all the way down, giving us that powdery white blanket.
  • Sleet happens when snowflakes fall through a shallow warm layer (above freezing), partially melting, and then refreeze before hitting the ground. This creates tiny ice pellets that bounce off surfaces.
  • Freezing Rain starts as snow, but it travels through a deeper, warm layer and melts completely into rain. However, as it reaches the ground, it passes through a shallow freezing layer and freezes in contact with cold surfaces, creating a dangerous glaze of ice.
  • Rain occurs when temperatures remain above freezing from the clouds to the ground, preventing any freezing.

These different precipitation types are a result of the complex interplay between layers of warm and cold air in the atmosphere. So, next time you see snow or ice, remember — it's not just the temperature where you are, but what’s happening above your head that makes all the difference!

Try it out now!Wintry precipitation on the WeatherRadar
Federico Di Catarina
More on the topic
Average number of days
Sunday, August 3, 2025

How long?

Average number of days to reach the U.S.
Average number of days
Tuesday, July 22, 2025

How long?

Average number of days to reach the US
Derecho iowa
Monday, July 28, 2025

Stay severe weather-aware

What are derechos?
All weather news
This might also interest you
Arizona haboob
Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Haboob season starts

Arizona's dusty thunderstorms
Hurricane Erin will move near the East Coast throughout the week.
Monday, August 18, 2025

Big waves, rip currents

Hurricane Erin brings coastal problems
Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Daily briefing

Watching Erin, stormy eastern half
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.com

instagramfacebookthreadsContact uslinkList
Privacy policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement