Sleet, snow and freezing rain: Types of winter precipitation explained

Name: The difference between snow, sleet and freezing rain
Uploaded: 2026-10-06T18:01:25.372Z
Duration: 45 s
Channel: The Weather Channel
Description: Snow, sleet or freezing rain is determined by what the temperature is throughout the different layers of the atmosphere. See how they each form.

ByMark WillardandJennifer Gray•

18 hours ago

Updated: October 6, 2026, 2:10 pm EDTPublished: October 6, 2026, 2:02 pm EDT

What determines whether you will experience snow, sleet or freezing rain? It has everything to do with what the temperature is throughout the different layers of the atmosphere. Watch as we show you a raindrop’s journey and the temperature profile that will determine its fate.