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How does snow form?
Quick answer
Snow forms when water vapor high in cold clouds freezes directly into ice crystals, which grow into six-sided snowflakes and fall. Each flake builds its intricate, unique shape as it drifts through air of changing temperature and moisture. Water vapor in cold clouds freezes straight onto tiny particles.
Step by step
- Water vapor in cold clouds freezes straight onto tiny particles.
- Ice crystals grow into six-sided (hexagonal) shapes.
- Their pattern depends on the temperature and humidity they pass through.
- Crystals clump into snowflakes and fall when heavy enough.
- The air must be cold all the way down for it to stay snow.
People also ask
Why are snowflakes six-sided?
Water molecules bond in a hexagonal pattern as they freeze, so growing ice crystals naturally take on six-fold symmetry.
Why is every snowflake different?
Each takes a unique path through varying temperature and moisture, and those tiny differences shape its exact pattern.
Why does it sometimes rain instead of snow?
If the air near the ground is above freezing, falling snow melts into rain before it lands.
Part of the guide: Water & Weather Phenomena →