Sleet

Sleet is a type of frozen precipitation that occurs when raindrops freeze before reaching the ground. It is often associated with winter weather and can create hazardous conditions on roads and sidewalks.

Formation of Sleet

Sleet forms when warm air near the ground melts snowflakes, turning them into rain. As the rain falls through a layer of freezing air near the surface, it refreezes into small ice pellets before reaching the ground.

Comparison with Other Forms of Frozen Precipitation

Sleet is often confused with freezing rain, but there is a distinct difference between the two. Freezing rain occurs when rain falls and then freezes upon contact with a cold surface, creating a layer of ice. Sleet, on the other hand, falls as ice pellets and does not create a glaze of ice on surfaces.

Impact of Sleet

Sleet can create hazardous driving and walking conditions, as the ice pellets can accumulate on roads and sidewalks, making them slippery. Additionally, sleet can accumulate on power lines and tree branches, potentially leading to power outages and damage to trees.