2007-03-16 12:44:00 · 2 answers · asked by Victor Z 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
Lucky for you I am currently taking a meteorology course. All precipitation starts out as snow. Depending on the temperature of the atmosphere between the cloud and the surface of the earth, the end result can be different. If the temperature only warms, it will rain. If the temperature warms, but not to above freezing, it will snow. If the temperature warms, and then cools again (this is called thermal inversion), then it will sleet. If the temperature warms, but the ground is frozen, there will be freezing rain.
I hope this little tid bit has been helpful.
2007-03-16 17:18:40 · answer #1 · answered by Becky 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is entirely based on the temperature of the air through which the precipitation falls. If it melts and then refreezes it turns into sleet.
2007-03-16 20:02:06 · answer #2 · answered by 1ofSelby's 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋