Ice cube rain is not a common term, but it likely refers to a form of precipitation called ice pellets or sleet.
Understanding Ice Pellets/Sleet
| Term | Description | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Pellets | Small, hard, translucent balls of ice. | Canadian English |
| Sleet | Small, hard, translucent balls of ice. | American English |
How Ice Pellets/Sleet Form
Ice pellets or sleet typically occur when:
- Snow falls through a layer of warm air, melting into rain.
- This rain then falls through a layer of freezing air near the ground, refreezing into small ice pellets.
Key Characteristics of Ice Pellets/Sleet
- They are small and hard compared to snowflakes.
- They are translucent, meaning light can pass through them.
- They often bounce when they hit the ground.
- They can create slippery conditions when they accumulate.
Difference from Other Precipitation Types
- Hail: Hail is larger and often irregular in shape, formed in thunderstorms.
- Snow: Snowflakes are formed directly from water vapor and have a crystalline structure.
- Freezing Rain: Freezing rain falls as liquid rain but freezes on contact with the ground or other surfaces.
Therefore, if you are experiencing what seems like "ice cube rain," it is most likely ice pellets (in Canadian English) or sleet (in American English).
