The London Weather Station

Here a few facts about snow and questions kids often ask

What makes it snow?
When it is very cold the water in clouds freezes and forms snow crystals. As these crystals fall through the clouds they join with others and become snowflakes.All snowflakes have six sides, but no two are ever the same.


When does the coldest weather occur?
In the most countries the coldest times are clear, calm nights when there are no clouds to keep the heat near the Earth's surface.


What is a blizzard?
A blizzard is a snowstorm. Loose, powdery snow is whipped up by strong winds, sometimes making it impossible to see anything.


Can snow be useful?
Yes. It can help crops - such as winter wheat - by protecting them from very hard frost and cold dry winds. Also it can be fun for skiing and for making snowballs and snowmen. In the past the Inuit people built houses, called "igloos", out of snow. Some animal such as the polar bear are specially adaped to live in a snowy climate.


What's the difference between snow and hail?
Snowflakes are much lighter than hailstones and have more air trapped inside. Hailstones are hard and heavy, like icy pellets. Hail comes out of cumulonimbus clouds and can even fall in summer.

More to the topic snow you can find in thesection simple weather facts about snow.