No, it cannot be too cold to snow.
While it might seem counterintuitive, snow can form even in incredibly cold temperatures. The key factors for snowfall are:
- Moisture: There must be water vapor in the air.
- Lifting Mechanism: There must be a way for the air to rise and cool (e.g., weather fronts, mountains).
- Temperature: The air temperature must be at or below freezing (0°C or 32°F) to form snow crystals.
As a general rule, the reference states that snow will not form if the ground temperature is at least 5°C (41°F). However, it cannot be too cold to snow. Snow can occur even at incredibly low temperatures, as long as there is some source of moisture and some way to lift or cool the air. The reference explains that the primary limiting factor is not low temperatures, but rather a lack of moisture or an insufficient mechanism for air cooling and lifting.
Why is it not too cold to snow?
The fundamental misconception is that cold alone prevents snow formation. The reality is that the process of making snow is dependent on air reaching the dew point temperature and having a mechanism to facilitate condensation. While very cold air may hold less moisture, it can still produce snow if these two conditions are met.
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Must be freezing or below but can occur at extreme lows. |
| Moisture | Water vapor is needed for snow crystal formation. |
| Lifting | Rising air cools and condenses, enabling snow to form. |
| Ground Temp | Snow unlikely if ground temp is 5°C (41°F) or higher, but this won't prevent snow in colder air above. |
For instance, places like Antarctica experience snowfall even at extremely low temperatures because there's still some moisture available and air lifting, though snowfall is less common due to reduced humidity.
In conclusion, while warmer temperatures above 5°C (41°F) can prevent snow, extremely cold temperatures do not. The presence of moisture and an air lifting mechanism are far more critical for snowfall than temperature alone.
