What is the Difference Between Sleet and Hail?

Sleet and hail are both forms of frozen precipitation, but they have distinct differences in the way they form and when they occur:

1. Time of Year: Sleet forms in winter when the weather is cold, while hail can occur at any time of the year, usually during spring, summer, and fall thunderstorms.
2. Formation Process: Sleet forms in a "sandwich-style" cloud, where snow particles partially melt and then refreeze before hitting the ground as ice pellets. Hail forms in thunderstorms when snow particles form in the freezing top layer of the storm. These particles grow larger with each updraft until they become too heavy to remain suspended and fall to the ground.
3. Size and Impact: Sleet is typically smaller and less dangerous than hail. Sleet often bounces off surfaces and can even provide some traction for drivers. Hail, on the other hand, can range from the size of a pea to a volleyball and can cause significant damage to property, trees, and power lines due to its larger size and heavier weight.

In summary, sleet is a cold-weather phenomenon that forms in winter storms and falls as small ice pellets, while hail is a warm-season type of precipitation that forms in thunderstorms and falls as larger, more dangerous balls of ice.

Comparative Table: Sleet vs Hail

Here is a table highlighting the differences between sleet and hail:

Sleet is a type of precipitation that occurs mainly during winter when partially melted snow falls through a warm layer and refreezes into ice pellets before hitting the ground. Hail, on the other hand, forms in strong thunderstorms when snow particles are lifted upward by updrafts, collecting moisture and partially defrosting, then freezing again in the colder air. Hail is generally larger and more dangerous than sleet, causing property damage, injuries, and even fatalities due to its larger size and speed.