Stop Confusing Freezing Rain and Sleet

Freezing rain and sleet might seem very similar, but they have distinguishable qualities that impact how we define them. Laying the spectrum between rain and snow, freezing rain and sleet are developing stages of freezing precipitation. Like other types of winter weather, they bring their own dangers and inconveniences. Find out what to expect when you hear these terms in your weather forecast and how best to prepare. 

Understanding Freezing Rain and Sleet

These terms are used all the time by meteorologists to inform viewers of what is to come. However, have they realized if we actually know what they are saying? We’re here to break down these terms in a non-meteorologist format so the next time you see these terms you are on the same wavelength as the experts.

First, there is a freezing precipitation spectrum that goes from rain to freezing rain, to sleet, and finally to snow. As it gets colder, the precipitation goes through these various stages until it gets cold enough for snow.

Freezing occurs when precipitation initially freezes when it first falls but melts as it falls through warm air. After the rain falls, it freezes on the ground surface. Sleet occurs when precipitation falls as frozen particles, melts in a shallow area of warm air, but refreezes before hitting the ground.