Snow showers are a common winter weather phenomenon. Understanding their specific characteristics is important, as they differ from other forms of winter precipitation and impact daily activities differently.
The Nature of Snow Showers
Snow showers are periods of intermittent and localized snowfall. They often begin and end suddenly, with intensities ranging from light to moderate, sometimes including brief, heavier bursts. These events are typically short-lived, often lasting around 20 minutes.
Snow showers form from convective activity, similar to rain showers in warmer seasons. This occurs when unstable air masses cause air to rise, forming cumulus or cumuliform clouds. Unlike widespread weather systems, snow showers affect smaller, localized areas.
Distinguishing Snow Showers from Other Winter Precipitation
Snow showers differ from other winter precipitation types in their duration, intensity, and spatial coverage.
“Snow” typically refers to widespread, continuous precipitation that lasts for an extended period, often originating from broad weather systems and stratiform clouds. This type of snowfall can lead to significant and prolonged accumulation across a large region.
Snow flurries are a lighter and less significant form of snowfall compared to showers. They consist of very light, brief, and intermittent snowfall that generally results in little to no accumulation. Flurries also tend to fall from stratiform clouds, indicating a less vigorous atmospheric process than that which produces showers.
In contrast, snow squalls are more intense and hazardous events. They are brief, heavy bursts of snow with strong, gusty winds, often causing sudden whiteout conditions. Snow squalls lead to rapid accumulation and pose increased risks due to extremely reduced visibility and strong winds.
What to Expect When Snow Showers Are Forecast
When snow showers are forecast, the general expectation is for light accumulations, though brief, localized areas might experience heavier amounts. Snowfall rates during snow showers can reach up to 2-3 inches per hour in some instances, leading to rapid, albeit localized, accumulation. Visibility can decrease suddenly during a shower, making driving challenging, but it typically improves quickly once the shower passes.
The travel impact from snow showers is usually less widespread than from continuous snowfall. Localized slick spots can form on roads, especially during heavier bursts. Caution is advisable due to potential sudden changes in road conditions and visibility. Snow showers are short-lived, so any disruptions are generally temporary.