My mum threw this comment at me the other day and im wondering if there is any truth to it
2007-01-16 07:17:49 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
In a way, yes. In extremely cold environments, there is very little water vapor present. Also, since extremely cold air is relatively dense, there is often a large area of sinking air.
In order to have any type of precipitation, you generally need rising air and water vapor. While there is no "magic temperature" at which it becomes impossible to snow, it generally becomes so difficult that it doesn't happen when you get much below -20 or -30F.
What *can* happen is a phenomenon called ice crystals. This occurs at extremely cold temperatures (-30F or lower) and is the result of very tiny water droplets freezing and floating to the ground. This is also known as "diamond dust", and is likely what some of the other folks answering your question saw.
2007-01-16 13:12:55 · answer #1 · answered by nittany_jim 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes its true - sometimes people say it warms up when it snows which does sound silly but the truth isnt much stranger - it needs to warm up before it can snow - its to do with the amount of moisture that the air can hold.
It seems this question has been asked before, I recommend you try a search to see if anyone knows the real science behind it but yes, it is true.
2007-01-16 07:35:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
properly, there's a level at which all matter stops transferring (-273 celsius), yet so some distance as in the international is going, no we can't somewhat be too chilly for it to snow. that is in accordance with precipitation and how a lot is interior the air, somewhat. That being stated somewhat chilly climate can DRY the air and make it snow a lot less, even though it would want to't make it no longer snow.
2016-10-15 07:51:03 · answer #3 · answered by applebee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've heard people say that before that it is to cold for it to snow!
To be honest it does seem to warm up a little when /before it snows i mean it is still freezing but the temp seems to rise a degree or two!
2007-01-16 07:49:43 · answer #4 · answered by azman5998 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont think thats the right term, butttttttttt, if its absoutely ridiculously cold out, then chances are, there wouldnt be enough moisture in the air. If you think about it......how many BAD snow storms have there ever been when its been 10 degrees or colder outside? Not one has been bad where I live if its been that cold an I been here for 30 years.
2007-01-16 07:26:45 · answer #5 · answered by Chad C 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, when it's cold enough, it doesn't really snow at all. The air just gets very dry and cold. I have never seen it snowing below -30 C.
2007-01-16 07:24:51 · answer #6 · answered by Cold Bird 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Good question. No. It may snow at any temperature observed on earth.
2007-01-16 07:35:24 · answer #7 · answered by 1ofSelby's 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No its rubbish. I've been at -40C on a mountain with it snowing, wasn't too cold then!
2007-01-16 07:23:45 · answer #8 · answered by First Ascent 4 Thistle 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i think it has to warm slightly for it to snow then drops again once it starts
2007-01-16 23:57:24 · answer #9 · answered by dream theatre 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im sure there is but we wont ever experience it. For example at -273C(absolute Zero) everything is frozen and nothing moves.
2007-01-16 07:22:41 · answer #10 · answered by E 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋