The Difference Between Hail and Snow
When it comes to winter weather, snow and hail are two natural phenomena that people often confuse with each other. Although they both consist of frozen water, they have distinct characteristics and formation processes. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between hail and snow and learn how they form.
What is Snow?
Snow is formed when water vapor in the atmosphere condenses into ice crystals. These tiny ice particles clump together to form snowflakes, which can be found in many different shapes and sizes. Snow is generally light and fluffy, consisting of many tiny ice crystals that give it a soft, powdery texture.
What is Hail?
Hail, on the other hand, is formed when thunderstorm updrafts lift raindrops high into the atmosphere, where they freeze into ice. These ice particles then fall back down, only to be lifted up again by the updrafts, where they accumulate more layers of ice. This cycle repeats until the hailstones become too heavy to be lifted and fall to the ground. Hailstones can be as small as a pea or as large as a softball, and they are often irregularly shaped.
Differences in Appearance
The most obvious difference between hail and snow is their appearance. Snowflakes are usually symmetrical and have a hexagonal shape with six arms. Every snowflake is different due to the unique way in which ice crystals form. Hailstones, on the other hand, are often irregularly shaped and have a rough surface caused by the layers of ice that accumulate as they fall through the atmosphere.
Differences in Formation
Snow and hail also differ in the ways in which they are formed. As mentioned earlier, snow is created when water vapor in the atmosphere condenses into ice crystals, while hail is formed in thunderstorms through a process known as the hail growth cycle. Hailstones can also take longer to form than snowflakes, as they require multiple trips up and down in the atmosphere.
Dangers of Hail vs. Snow
While both hail and snow can be hazardous, hail is generally more dangerous due to its larger size and greater momentum. Hailstorms can damage crops, buildings, and vehicles, and large hailstones can cause injury or even death if they fall from a great height. Snow, on the other hand, can cause accidents on the roads and sidewalks if it forms ice or becomes compacted.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, while hail and snow may seem similar at first glance, they differ in many ways, from their appearance to their formation and potential dangers. Understanding the differences between the two can help you stay safe and informed during winter weather conditions.
Table difference between hail and snow
| Hail | Snow | |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | Formed by strong thunderstorms and freezing temperatures in a vertical movement | Formed in cold clouds with temperatures below freezing point where water vapor changes directly into ice crystals. |
| Size | Hailstones have varying sizes ranging from a pea to a baseball size | Snowflakes have different sizes and forms, ranging from small and dense to large and fluffy |
| Shape | Hailstones are irregular and have different shapes | Snowflakes have symmetrical shapes and can form into different shapes like stars, needles or columns |
| Impact | Hailstones can cause damage while falling on the ground or when hitting surfaces like cars or roofs | Snowfall usually does not cause much damage unless it accumulates or forms ice that causes slipping or falling hazards |
| Occurrence | Hail usually occurs during thunderstorms in warmer seasons such as spring or summer | Snowfalls usually happen during winter in colder regions or at high elevations |