Why can it snow when it’s 33 degrees, but it’s rain at 29 degrees?
When we measure air temperature for official weather readings it is taken pretty much near ground level, and in the shade. The temperature in the air above the surface can be warmer than the surface temperature and melt the snow as it comes through when the temps are slightly under freezing. Simi…
The Short Answer
When we measure air temperature for official weather readings it is taken pretty much near ground level, and in the shade. The temperature in the air above the surface can be warmer than the surface temperature and melt the snow as it comes through when the temps are slightly under freezing. Similarly, when the temperature is only very slightly above freezing it may not be warm enough in any of the atmospheric layers the precipitation comes through to melt the snow before it hits the ground.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Temperature, ground, surface
This explanation focuses on temperature, ground, surface and spans 86 words across 3 sentences. At 21% above the average Nature explanation (71 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “When we measure air temperature for official weather readings it is taken pretty much near ground level, and in the shad” It then elaboratesultimately building toward a complete picture across 3 connected points.
How This Compares in Nature
Ranked #165 of 500 Nature questions by answer depth (top 34%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why it snow when it's 33 degrees, but it's rain at 29 degrees?
When we measure air temperature for official weather readings it is taken pretty much near ground level, and in the shade. The temperature in the air above the surface can be warmer than the surface temperature and melt the snow as it comes through…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Nature questions?
This is an above-average answer at 86 words, ranked #165 of 500 Nature questions by depth. The key concepts covered are temperature, ground, surface.
What approach does this answer take to explain it snow when it's 33 degrees, but it's rain at 29 degrees?
The explanation uses direct explanation across 86 words. It is categorized under Nature and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.