What is Sleet?

Sleet is one of the many forms of precipitation, along with snow, rain, hail, and freezing rain. It is a type of pale, icy rain that frozen and liquid precipitation together, resulting in small pellets of ice that is usually darker than snow. Sleet falls from the atmosphere in the form of ice pellets that are the result of frozen raindrops and the melting of snowflakes in the atmosphere. It can vary from being a light rain to a very heavy shower.

Sleet vs. Hail

Sleet is often confused for hail, but the two are actually different. Hail is a form of solid precipitation that is made of solid balls, ice pellets, or shards of ice that are created when droplets of water are lifted into the atmosphere and freeze in the extremely cold temperatures high up in the atmosphere. The droplets of water mix with dust particles, which become encased in layers of ice, forming hailstone. Meanwhile, sleet is composed of ice pellets that are created when frozen raindrops and melted snowflakes mix together.

Effects of Sleet

When sleet falls, it can often cause more slippery conditions on the roads and sidewalks than snow or ice, making it difficult to drive or walk in. Sleet often accumulates on roofs and other objects, and usually melts slightly faster than snow. It can accumulate on the ground too, which leads to hazardous traveling conditions. Sleet is also known to cause power outages due to the heavy loads it puts on power lines, trees, and other objects.

Overall, sleet is an interesting form of precipitation that is often confused for hail due to their similar appearance. It is important to be aware of the potential dangers it can cause when it falls, especially when driving or walking in it. Understanding the differences between sleet and hail can help you be better prepared to handle the effects of this type of weather.