As winter weather approaches South Carolina, some areas may see snowfall. But what exactly are snowflakes and how do they form?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), snowflakes are tiny ice crystals that develop from water droplets freezing onto pollen or dust particles in the air. As these ice crystals fall towards Earth, they continue to grow, eventually forming six arms.
The shape of a snowflake is determined by temperature and humidity at the time it forms, as well as atmospheric conditions. This means each individual snowflake has unique characteristics due to the different paths it takes while falling through varying atmospheric conditions.
NOAA notes that while all snowflakes have six arms, their appearance can vary depending on these factors. The next time you spot a snowflake, take note of its distinct features and remember that its unique shape is shaped by the air it passed through.
Source: https://www.wistv.com/2025/01/10/noaa-explains-how-snowflakes-are-made