What is the difference between rain, sleet, and snow?

Rain, sleet, and snow are all distinct forms of precipitation that result from different atmospheric conditions, particularly temperature and moisture levels. Rain forms when water vapor condenses into liquid droplets, typically occurring in warmer temperatures. Sleet, or ice pellets, forms when raindrops freeze before reaching the ground, which typically occurs when there is a layer of warm air above a layer of cold air. Snow, on the other hand, forms when water vapor crystallizes into ice crystals in cold conditions, remaining frozen throughout its descent.

This differentiation is crucial because it affects not only the form of precipitation but also various weather patterns and conditions. The presence of varying temperatures in the atmosphere can lead to scenarios where all three forms can develop, but they do so under specific conditions that distinctly categorize them. This understanding is essential in meteorology for forecasting and understanding weather phenomena.