Does precipitation freeze based on the actual temperature, or the temperature index?

Question

For example, if the temperature is 35 degrees but the wind chill makes it feel like 28 degrees, would the precipitation freeze ? Or is it smart enough to know it's just being messed with?

Answer 1

The physical state of moisture in the air always depends on the actual temperature. The reason the weather reporters give a 'feels like' temperature is because humans generate our own heat which is easily swept away by winds. The moisture in the air doesn't do this, so whatever temperature the air is matches the temperature of the moisture.