No, ice rain is not called hail.
Understanding the Difference: Ice Rain vs. Hail
Ice rain and hail are both forms of solid precipitation, but they form under different atmospheric conditions and have distinct characteristics. Confusing the two is common, but understanding their differences is key.
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Ice Rain (also known as Sleet): Forms when snow melts as it falls through a layer of warm air, then refreezes as it passes through a layer of cold air near the surface. The resulting precipitation is small, translucent ice pellets.
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Hail: Forms in cumulonimbus clouds, specifically thunderstorms. Strong updrafts carry raindrops upward into extremely cold regions of the atmosphere, where they freeze. As the ice particles circulate within the storm, they accumulate layers of ice and grow larger until they become heavy enough to fall to the ground. Hailstones are typically larger than ice pellets and can be irregular in shape.
Key Distinctions
| Feature | Ice Rain (Sleet) | Hail |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | Melting snow refreezing near the surface | Freezing and accretion in thunderstorms |
| Size | Small, typically less than 5 mm in diameter | Larger, often greater than 5 mm |
| Shape | Round or irregular pellets | Irregular lumps or balls of ice |
| Cloud Type | Layered clouds (often associated with nimbostratus) | Cumulonimbus clouds (thunderstorms) |
| Impact | Bounces upon impact | Can cause significant damage |
In Summary
While both are forms of frozen precipitation, ice rain and hail are distinct phenomena with different formation processes and characteristics. Ice rain consists of small ice pellets formed by the refreezing of melted snow, while hail consists of larger, irregular lumps of ice formed within thunderstorms.
