Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

elleng

(139,478 posts)
Fri Apr 7, 2023, 12:48 PM Apr 2023

SLEET in the 50s?

We have something very weird happening in the DC area on this Friday. We are seeing sleet with temps from 50-55 degrees. How is this possible? There's an unusual dry layer a few thousand feet up. We *think* droplets passing thru it are freezing due to evaporational cooling.

3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
SLEET in the 50s? (Original Post) elleng Apr 2023 OP
Are you certain it's not small hail? hippywife Apr 2023 #1
Capital Weather Gang posted it, I know nothing more! elleng Apr 2023 #2
From NWS. hippywife Apr 2023 #3

hippywife

(22,767 posts)
1. Are you certain it's not small hail?
Fri Apr 7, 2023, 01:40 PM
Apr 2023

I don't think you can have sleet with temps that high. Is it coming down in connection with a thunderstorm?

hippywife

(22,767 posts)
3. From NWS.
Fri Apr 7, 2023, 01:48 PM
Apr 2023
https://www.weather.gov/ama/preciptypes

Sleet occurs when a snow flake partially melts and then refreezes. For partial melting to occur, the maximum temperature in the melting layer is typically between 33.8 and 37.4°F (1 and 3°C) and for a relatively thin layer (less than 2,000 feet thick).

Kick in to the DU tip jar?

This week we're running a special pop-up mini fund drive. From Monday through Friday we're going ad-free for all registered members, and we're asking you to kick in to the DU tip jar to support the site and keep us financially healthy.

As a bonus, making a contribution will allow you to leave kudos for another DU member, and at the end of the week we'll recognize the DUers who you think make this community great.

Tell me more...

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»District of Columbia»SLEET in the 50s?