How often does Europe experience freezing rain? This climatological study examines the frequency of freezing precipitation events across Western and Central Europe, extending from Scandinavia to North Africa. Analyzing SYNOP reports from the winters of 1995–1998, the research focuses on freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and ice pellets. The findings reveal that freezing precipitation is not uncommon, occurring in 0.5 to 1% of SYNOP messages that include current weather observations in Central Europe. The analysis also studies the surface air temperature intervals associated with the phenomenon. The research attempts to determine the formation mode by studying thermodynamic soundings associated with the freezing precipitation events. The formation processes are determined either by the melting of snow crystals in a layer of positive temperatures or by a process of coalescence or diffusional growth. This study offers valuable climatological insight into freezing precipitation patterns in Europe, aiding in weather forecasting and risk assessment. This understanding can be used in models to predict the future.
Published in Meteorological Applications, this study aligns perfectly with the journal's scope, focusing on climatology, meteorology, and their applications. The research provides valuable insights into a specific meteorological phenomenon, enhancing our understanding of European weather patterns.