The unusually cold weather hitting California has introduced a new word to many: graupel.
hitting California has introduced a new word to many: graupel.
That, meteorologists say, is the term for the frozen precipitation reported Wednesday in parts of the Central Valley — not snow, but little pellets created when water droplets freeze on falling snowflakes.The result is small balls of rime, up to two-tenths of an inch across. They have a soft, wet feel, something like bits of styrofoam.
Hail, by contrast, is solid ice, and it’s larger. Hail is almost always the result of a thunderstorm, as strong updrafts are needed to keep water droplets aloft as the ice forms and accumulates. Have received reports of frozen precipitation making it to the ground in the Sacramento Metro this afternoon.If it's soft/wet, it's graupel.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The California Senate Race Is Heating UpDianne Feinstein officially announced her retirement. Now Barbara Lee, a longtime congresswoman, is running—but she's already getting asked about her age.
Read more »
Hiker missing for a month is found dead on Southern California peakRobert Gregory went missing three days after Julian Sands.
Read more »
Discount retailer Tuesday Morning files for bankruptcy, will close 31 California storesTuesday Morning joins a growing number of financially distressed retailers that have filed for bankruptcy this year.
Read more »
'Cold, dangerous' winter storm to impact Southern California: What to expectThe coldest storm of the season - and possibly the last several years - will impact Southern California in the coming days with significant rain, wind, and snow, according to the National Weather Service.
Read more »
This Southern California Beach City Is Floating the Idea of a Balloon BanLaguna Beach is weighing a plan to ban the sale and public use of balloons to curtail the risk of devastating wildfires and eliminate a major source of trash floating near the community's scenic shores.
Read more »
California high school cuts honors English class to make learning more fairA California high school removed an honors course for its underclassmen in the name of racial equity, according to a report.
Read more »