The recent blizzard that hit the Northeast brought more than 15 inches of snow to New York City and other parts of the region. While the heavy, wet snow may be a pain to shovel, it is ideal for snowball fights and building snowmen. The snowfall in the Northeast is a result of cold Arctic air colliding with warmer, moist air from the Atlantic, creating the perfect conditions for dense, heavy snow.
Alicia Wasula, a meteorologist and president of the consulting firm STM Weather in Troy, N.Y., explains that the snow in the region is high in moisture due to air temperatures hovering around freezing. This results in heavier, wetter snow that is perfect for snowballs and snowmen. The type of snowflake, determined by the temperature within the cloud where the snow forms, also plays a role in snow accumulation. Classic six-sided snowflakes, known as dendritic flakes, accumulate best in these conditions.
Meteorologists quantify snow density using a snow-to-liquid ratio, which indicates how much water is present per inch of snow. The snowfall in the Northeast has a ratio between 10:1 and 15:1, making it perfect for packing into snowballs and building structurally sound snowmen. While this may not be ideal for skiers seeking light, fluffy powder, it provides a slick surface for sledding and outdoor play.
Despite the challenges of the storm, the snow is expected to stick around for a while, providing ample opportunities for kids to enjoy the winter weather. With temperatures in the 30s F in the coming days, there will be plenty of chances for snowball fights, sledding, and building snowmen.
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