It is a fact that when it snows the feeling of cold decreases. Far from being just a mere sensation, it is a real factThe temperature rises, so it doesn't feel as cold, because it really isn't. How can this happen if it snows precisely when it's cold? Let's put the matter into perspective first.
When ice or snow melts, heat must be added to the system. That is, the heat that is added causes the temperature to rise, and the water to change from a solid to a liquid state. However, the reverse process, that of water going from a liquid to a solid state, must release heat from the system. The "heat" of that liquid water is released, leaving the water in a solid state. Therefore, The excess heat must be released and leave the system, and it is at that moment that doing so increases the temperature While it's snowing. This is important, as it's only when the process is occurring, because once the heat is released and the snow stops, the cold will prevail, and it's only when the snow stops that temperatures will drop.
When it snows: a deeper explanation
When the environment is below 0ºC, we have the threshold where water can begin to freeze. But, to form a snowflake, the heat energy given off is equal to 80 calories For each one. Since that heat isn't concentrated, it dissipates with the rest of the cold air. When this happens with millions of snowflakes, it causes temperatures to rise. Curious, right?
When it is very cold, it is harder for it to snow if it has already snowed. Furthermore, if there's a significant drop in temperature, snow is more likely to form, which largely comes from water vapor. But if it's already snowed, the water vapor has turned into snow. Therefore, when it's very cold, the water vapor content in the atmosphere is either very low or practically nonexistent. This is one of the reasons why snow doesn't tend to form in extremely cold conditions.
The troposphere: home of snow
Snowfall occurs in the layer of the atmosphere known as the troposphere (the layer that reaches approximately 10.000 meters above sea level). It is in this layer that we live and where the most water vapor is found. temperature decreases with altitudeFor snow to fall, condensation must occur and we must be cold.
For example, this is quite common in mountainous areas. When we're at high altitudes, the air is cooler. However, the issue is more complicated when it comes to seeing snow in cities, especially in our country. For this to happen, temperatures must be low, so that the water vapor contained within condenses and causes the crystallization of snowflakes. If you'd like to learn more about the coldest countries on the planet, is also interesting and can help you understand this better.
Cold, but with adequate humidity
But contrary to what many may think, Very cold does not mean heavy snowfallEverything depends on the origin of that air and its evolution until it reaches the affected area. In other words, it depends on the humidity associated with the cold air mass. In general, in Spain, intrusions of continental or Siberian air tend to be very cold and give rise to intense cold waves. However, when they travel through continental areas, they cannot acquire humidity, so the air is so dry that the water vapor it contains does not cause snowfall. It is important to keep in mind that, in addition, when the air is extremely cold, its capacity to retain water vapor decreases. You can also discover Interesting facts about snow that you didn't know that may interest you.
On the contrary, in the event that the air mass originates in the Pole or the Arctic, but crosses seas or oceans, there is a possibility that this air mass will be very cold but also very humid and, therefore, can give rise to precipitation in the form of snow. This is why With intrusions of very cold air, we will not see significant snowfall in Spain., while with "less cold" air but with a maritime route, snowfall can be as abundant as it is these days. To better understand the impact of these dynamics, it is useful to know Why cold weather can be more dangerous.
The interaction between temperatures and humidity
Meteorology shows us that snow is a complex phenomenon that requires an appropriate interaction between temperature and humidity. One of the main concepts to understand is that It doesn't take extreme cold for it to snow, but rather ideal temperature and humidity conditions. That is, snow tends to form when temperatures are below 0°C, but they should not be excessively cold. In general, a temperature between -2°C and 2°C can favor snow formation, as it allows water vapor to condense in the atmosphere. If you want to understand more about why is snow white, is a fascinating topic.
Additionally, it is interesting to note that urban and rural areas can experience significant variations in snowfall. Rural areas typically have a more favorable microclimate for snowfall, as they have less pollution that can affect cloud formation. Therefore, it is possible that in a city it may not snow, while in nearby mountains it may be abundant. This relates to the issue of the coldest places in Spain and their characteristics.
Ideal conditions for snow formation
- Temperatures: between -2 °C and 2 °C are ideal.
- Humidity: the air must contain sufficient water vapor.
- Thermal inversions: A warm air mass over a cold air mass can generate snowfall.
- Air currents: the interaction between different air currents is crucial.
The interaction of these factors together determines whether snow falls or turns into rain. When warmer air is between colder layers, snowflakes can melt and turn into water. Therefore, it is essential that the column of air that the flakes pass through is constant in cold temperatures to ensure that the snow stays on the ground. In this context, it is important to consider how atmospheric phenomena affect the climate.
Factors that influence the perception of cold when it snows
Wind chill can also be influenced by other factors. For example, wind can play an important role. A chilly wind can give the sensation of more intense cold, even when it's snowing, while a gentle breeze can make the cold feel more bearable. On the other hand, atmospheric pressure can also influence how we experience temperatures. High pressure conditions are typically associated with clear skies, which often result in cold nights. This can be related to the impact of hurricanes and tornadoes in the climate.
The effect of snow on temperatures is also due to its ability to reflect lightSnow has a high albedo, meaning it reflects most of the sunlight it receives. This can have a moderate effect on temperatures, especially on sunny days after a snowfall.
Snow as a fascinating meteorological phenomenon
Snow is a meteorological phenomenon that continues to arouse people's curiosity and admiration. It's not only a visual spectacle but also has a significant impact on the environment, wildlife, and the daily lives of millions of people. Snow cover can act as an insulator, protecting plants and animals from the extreme cold in winter.
Although snow can cause inconveniences, such as road closures and transportation problems, it also brings with it the magical atmosphere that many associate with winter. The chance to ski, build snowmen, or simply enjoy a landscape covered in white is an experience that many people seek out every year. If you're interested in learning more about cold fronts, is also a fascinating topic.
