True or False? The Most Enduring Myths About Snow and Ice

Snow Can Only Fall at Freezing Temperatures: A Temperature Tale

A common myth is that snow can only fall when temperatures are at or below freezing. In reality, snow can fall at temperatures slightly above freezing, particularly in the presence of dry air. The process of snow formation begins high in the atmosphere, where temperatures are colder, allowing snowflakes to form and descend. As they fall, they may encounter warmer air, but if the air is dry enough, the snow can reach the ground without melting. This phenomenon explains why snow sometimes falls during relatively mild weather, challenging the simplistic freezing-temperature myth.