Questioning a Meteorologist: Can It Be Too Cold for Snow to Fall?

This weeks inquiry comes from Robynn, a reader of Morning Brief, who asks, Can it ever be too cold for snow?

Meteorologist Jonathan Belles explains that the answer depends on perspective. Theoretically, there is no absolute temperature that prevents snow. In a controlled laboratory setting, snow could form even near absolute zero if conditions were perfectly managed. However, in real-world situations, extreme cold can make snowfall very unlikely.

Take Antarctica as an example. Despite its icy landscape, it is technically one of the worlds largest deserts because snowfall is minimal. Most of the snow that does fall is extremely sparse, consisting of tiny ice grains that resemble mist more than traditional snowflakes.

There isnt a specific temperature at which snow becomes impossible. Instead, its a gradual effect. When temperatures drop far below freezing, the classic fluffy snowflakes familiar from winter movies are less common. Instead, precipitation may appear as icy pellets or fine, grainy particles.

The limiting factor is moisture, not cold itself. Colder air holds less moisture, which is necessary for snow formation. Conversely, warmer air can contain more moisture, making snow more likely under the right conditions.

Interestingly, there is a specific atmospheric range where snowflakes grow most effectively: roughly between -12C and -19C. This Dendritic Growth Zone allows snowflakes to develop their characteristic branching patterns.

Author: Logan Reeves