What type of precipitation occurs when temperatures are low enough to freeze rain into ice?

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Sleet is the type of precipitation that occurs when rain falls through a layer of cold air and freezes into small ice pellets before reaching the ground. This process typically happens when there are varying temperatures in the atmosphere, with warmer air aloft and a colder layer closer to the surface. As the raindrops pass through the frigid air, they freeze into spherical ice pellets, which then fall to the ground resembling small beads of ice.

Understanding sleet is important as it differs from other precipitation types—rain remains liquid, snow forms from ice crystals in cold conditions and falls as flakes, and drizzle denotes light rain made up of very fine droplets. Sleet can create hazardous conditions on roads and surfaces due to its icy nature, making it a significant topic for weather awareness.