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UK's Rare Freezing Rain: A Crystal Danger
12 Feb
Summary
- Freezing rain is rare liquid precipitation that instantly freezes on cold surfaces.
- Specific conditions create this phenomenon, unlike more common ice storms elsewhere.
- Forecasting UK snow is complex due to rapid temperature and wind variations.
The Met Office defines freezing rain as a rare type of liquid precipitation that instantly freezes upon contact with a cold surface. This specific meteorological event, characterized by rain droplets spreading before freezing into clear ice, is uncommon in the UK.
While more prevalent in regions like the USA, where it can cause significant disruption through 'ice storms', its occurrence in the UK demands precise atmospheric conditions. This rarity contrasts with the ongoing complexities of snow forecasting in the UK.
Forecasting snow in the UK presents challenges due to rapidly shifting weather. Minute alterations in temperature or wind direction can shift precipitation from rain to sleet or snow. High-resolution models are employed, but accuracy is tested in marginal temperatures hovering around freezing. Precipitation intensity also plays a crucial role, with heavy bursts potentially leading to snow at the surface, while lighter rain may melt before reaching the ground.
