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Does Rain Melt Ice?

Published in Weather Science 1 min read

Yes, rain does aid in the melting of ice. However, it's often not the primary factor.

While rain can contribute to melting ice, the overall effect depends on several factors:

  • Temperature of the Rain: If the rain is warmer than the ice, it will transfer heat to the ice, causing it to melt. The warmer the rain, the faster the melting.
  • Ambient Air Temperature: Warmer air temperatures play a more significant role in melting ice and snow. Rain often accompanies warmer temperatures, so it's hard to isolate the effect of the rain alone.
  • Other Factors: Factors like wind and humidity also influence the melting rate of ice and snow.

In summary: Rain itself does provide heat that can melt ice, but usually its impact is secondary to warmer air temperatures and other weather conditions.

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