SkySnow

SkySnow refers to the phenomenon of light, powdery snow falling from an apparently clear or only lightly clouded sky. This contrasts with typical snowfall, which is usually associated with dense, overcast conditions and heavy precipitation.

The occurrence of SkySnow is often linked to the presence of ice crystals high in the atmosphere. These crystals, sometimes originating from distant weather systems, can grow through sublimation even in relatively dry air. As they gain sufficient weight, they begin to fall. If the air at ground level is cold enough, these crystals will reach the surface as snow without melting, even though there may be no visible precipitation source directly overhead.

Several factors contribute to the possibility of SkySnow:

• High-altitude ice crystal formation: Ice crystals must be present in the upper atmosphere, either from naturally occurring processes or transported from nearby storm systems.
• Sublimation and growth: The atmospheric conditions must be conducive to the growth of these ice crystals through sublimation, increasing their size and mass.
• Cold surface temperatures: The air near the ground must be sufficiently cold to prevent the ice crystals from melting into rain before reaching the surface.
• Relatively dry air below: The presence of dry air below the level of ice crystal formation reduces the chance of cloud formation that would normally accompany snowfall.

The result is a seemingly paradoxical situation where snow falls from an apparently clear sky. SkySnow is typically light and does not accumulate quickly, but it can be a surprising and noteworthy weather event.

The term is not a formally recognized meteorological term but is a descriptive phrase commonly used by observers to describe this unusual snowfall scenario.