How does snow become snow?
Clouds form ice crystals which than fall towards the earth. As they fall the different ice crystal combine (Aggregation). For snow to form, the atmospheric temperatures must be below freezing. As they fall and develop, it is possible for the surrounding air during the fall to be slightly above freezing (35.6º F or 2º C). In this slightly above freezing condition, the snow starts to melt but then is saved by itself. As the snow starts to melt, the immediate surrounding air is cooled to stop the melting. Another factor in formation is the ground temperature which must be below 41º F (5º C)
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