I knew winter would return. And it did, to where I live in the Southern Tier of New York.
Despite our unusual, warmer than normal winter, spring can't get a foothold. Not yet, anyway. On the first day of spring, we had a dusting of snow. The next day, winter decided that wasn't enough.
It was Graupel Time.
Graupel, also known as corn snow, is (according to Wikipedia) "precipitation that forms when supercooled water droplets in air are collected and freeze on falling snowflakes, forming 2–5 mm balls". It's more common here than one might think.
Knowing we would be under snow squall warnings by 1pm on Wednesday, we took our exercise walk early. Here's a bird's next up against a white snow-is-coming sky.
After lunch, we took another walk. The blue sky wasn't going to last long.
Uh oh, the storm is approaching. Time to head on in.
A closeup, as the temperature dropped from 47F (8.3C) to 35F (1.7C).
And the sky as graupel turned into regular snow.
We didn't get a lot of snow, as it turned out. The sun even came out again later in the day. But yesterday, it was cold and breezy. Today should be cold, too.
It's no surprise that winter isn't done with us yet.
...I never that heard the term graupel until I lived in Georgia. Take care and keep looking up at the sky.
ReplyDeleteHang in there, spring weather will be back
ReplyDeleteNever heard the term graupel before, but unfortunately we've been having the same return to winter weather you're having.
ReplyDeleteWe always have a freeze near the end of March. Some get out and get busy with gardens. Except for potatoes and sweet peas, I do not plant anything until after Good Friday. Good Friday comes early this year. So I guess I got to change my rule and plant a little later.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of that term. Although have seen graupel many times.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pictures as always, Alana! I SO miss these visits! Huh. Graupel. Who knew? I always called it popcorn snow. I was today years old when I learned this! So glad the snow didn't last long! Here in northern Alberta, we were enjoying spring-like temperatures and the snow as gone from the northern sides of the roads and properties. Then, winter came blasting back.
ReplyDeleteSigh.
The forecast is good, though. Above freezing temperatures by Friday! (Gonna hide till Friday...)
Pretty skies. I've been in the mountains and experienced corn snow. Thanks for bringing back some fun memories!
ReplyDeleteIt's like the never ending winter. Just when you think it's spring, winter pulls you back in.
ReplyDeleteGraupel, I've heard about it but I don't think I have ever experienced it.
ReplyDeleteWe have no snow, but it's still cold, and the sky changes color: blue, cloudy, grey, dark.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. I've experienced graupel before but didn't know that is what it is called. I hope your spring arrives soon.
ReplyDeleteA new word for my vocabulary, although it's unlikely I'll have much cause to use it in Houston!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and sky shots of your transitional weather ~ thanks, hugs,
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)