2 days Ago
Do you love or hate snow? It can turn our towns and villages into a real-life winter wonderland during winter but it can also cause a lot of travel disruption. Throughout the colder months of the year, there is more chance than ever when it comes to snow falling where you are, as temperatures begin to plummet into minuses. However, there are certain conditions needed when it comes to blankets of snow being able to settle on the ground.
If you're hoping to see a snowflake or two soon, let’s find out what the experts have to say. @abbiedewhurst Snow = 🤯 #sciencefact #sciencefacts #weather #weatherfact #learnontiktok #educate #learn #snow #uksnow #presenter #fyp ♬ original sound - AbbieDewhurst What temperature does it snow in the UK? The Met Office said: “Precipitation falls as snow when the air temperature is below 2C. “It is a myth that it needs to be below zero to snow.
In fact, in this country, the heaviest snowfalls tend to occur when the air temperature is between zero and 2C. “The falling snow does begin to melt as soon as the temperature rises above freezing, but as the melting process begins, the air around the snowflake is cooled.” It adds: “Snowfall can be defined as 'slight,' 'moderate' or 'heavy'.
When combined with strong winds, a snowfall can create blizzards and drifts. “If the temperature is warmer than 2C then the snowflake will melt and fall as sleet rather than snow, and if it's warmer still, it will be rain.” Will the UK get snow this winter? Can it be too cold to snow? In short, the answer is no, reports AccuWeather.
The forecasters shared: "The phrase 'it’s too cold to snow' probably originated as a misapplication of the relationship between temperature and the maximum amount of water vapour that can be in the air. "When temperature decreases, the maximum capacity of water vapour that can be in the air decreases. Therefore, the colder it gets the less water vapor there will be in the air.
"Most heavy snowfalls happen with relatively warm air temperatures near the ground - usually at 15 degrees F or above. When the temperature drops into the single digits, or below zero, heavy snow is unlikely. That’s not because it’s too cold, but because it's too dry.
When temperatures are that low, the air’s capacity for water vapour becomes very small. "Experts say only at absolute zero would snow become impossible. Along with everything else.
" It's beginning to look a lot like...
...
an early snowfall in November! Thanks so much for sharing your snow pics with us today, we have loved seeing them! Thanks to @nicolaa_haynes for sending us this snowy scene in North Wales ❄️ pic.twitter.com/qFBUaeZJPJ — Met Office (@metoffice) November 19, 2024 Recommended reading: You could be fined £5,000 for driving in these winter clothes How to stop condensation on windows this winter as Mrs Hinch fans share top tips Can you walk dogs in the snow? 8 ways to keep your pet safe on winter walks How does snow form? The Met Office explained: “Snow forms when tiny ice crystals in clouds stick together to become snowflakes.
If enough crystals stick together, they'll become heavy enough to fall to the ground. “Snowflakes that descend through moist air that is slightly warmer than 0C will melt around the edges and stick together to produce big flakes. "Snowflakes that fall through cold, dry air produce powdery snow that does not stick together.
“Snow is formed when temperatures are low and there is moisture in the atmosphere in the form of tiny ice crystals.”.
