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A snow flurry from Buffalo City Hall

A snow flurry is a light snowfall that results in little or no snow accumulation. The US National Weather Service defines snow flurries as intermittent light snow that produces no measurable precipitation (trace amounts).[1] In contrast, bursts of snowfall that do result in measurable snow accumulation are called snow showers.[2] Environment Canada uses a different definition for flurries, approximately equivalent to 'snow shower'.[3]

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References

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Snow flurry

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A snow flurry is an intermittent light snowfall of short duration, generally classified as a light snow shower that produces no measurable accumulation, often resulting in only a trace amount or light dusting on the ground. Snow flurries typically form when atmospheric freezes into ice crystals within cold clouds, where temperatures remain at or below 0°C from the to the surface, allowing the crystals to fall as light precipitation without melting. This process occurs under convective conditions with sufficient moisture but limited intensity, often associated with unstable air masses in winter storms or passing weather fronts. Distinguished from more intense winter phenomena, snow flurries differ from snow showers, which involve varying snowfall intensities over brief periods and may lead to some accumulation, whereas flurries remain consistently light and non-accumulative by definition. They are also less severe than snow squalls, which combine sudden heavy snow with strong winds, drastically reducing visibility and creating hazardous conditions. Flurries commonly occur in mid-latitude regions during the cold season, particularly in areas influenced by synoptic-scale weather systems, and pose minimal impacts such as brief reductions in visibility for drivers, though they rarely disrupt travel or infrastructure significantly.

Definition and Characteristics

Core Definition

A snow flurry is defined by the National Weather Service as an intermittent light snowfall of short duration, generally equivalent to light snow showers, with no measurable accumulation, classified in the trace category (less than 0.1 inches). This distinguishes it as a brief, low-intensity precipitation event that produces scattered or spotty snow coverage without significant settling on the ground. The duration of a snow flurry is typically short, often lasting only a few minutes and characterized by its intermittent nature rather than continuous fall, allowing for quick onset and cessation without sustained weather disruption. Its low rate results in minimal impact and no notable accumulation, making it a common but inconsequential winter occurrence in suitable atmospheric conditions. The term "flurry" originates from 17th-century English, deriving from the obsolete verb "flurr," meaning to scatter or throw about suddenly, evoking a gust or commotion, with its first known use as a in 1686 to describe such bursts. By the mid-19th century, this evolved in to specifically denote light, gust-driven snowfalls, applying the of sudden activity to meteorological phenomena.

Key Physical Features

Snow flurries consist of small, dry flakes that form in atmospheric conditions below 0°C (32°F), resulting in a powdery texture with low due to minimal content in the crystals. These snowflakes are typically simple hexagonal plates or columns, lacking the intricate branching seen in heavier snowfalls, as the limited vapor availability in flurry conditions restricts complex growth. The phenomenon generally occurs in air temperatures at or below 0°C (32°F), with surface temperatures near or below freezing to prevent melting upon descent, and colder conditions (typically below -5°C or 23°F) producing the dry, powdery snow characteristic of flurries. This temperature profile ensures the snow remains dry and light, contrasting with wetter snow in slightly warmer conditions. A defining feature of snow flurries is the absence of significant accumulation, with any deposition limited to trace amounts or a light dusting that does not measurably cover the ground. Visually, they present as patchy, intermittent falls with minimal impact on but leave no lasting ground cover, often lasting only minutes.

Formation and Meteorology

Atmospheric Conditions

Snow flurries form in a cold air mass where temperatures within the layer are below freezing, optimally between -10°C and -20°C to promote efficient growth through deposition, though formation can occur at warmer thresholds like -5°C via secondary ice production processes such as rime splintering. The vertical temperature profile is characterized by overall stability that limits deep and prevents heavier , but allows for weak vertical motion and localized lift. Moisture levels are low to moderate across the broader , providing just enough for intermittent light without sustained snowfall; however, at the level, sufficiently high relative , typically near or above saturation with respect to , is required to initiate formation. This setup often involves a shallow moist layer near the surface (0°C to -5°C) overlain by drier air aloft, which restricts and results in scattered, brief flurries. These conditions frequently arise under weak high-pressure ridges or minor frontal passages, where subtle synoptic disturbances introduce minimal upward motion without significant forcing for organized systems. In mid-latitudes, snow flurries typically develop from bases at low altitudes of 1,000 to 5,000 feet above ground level, corresponding to the bases of low-level stratiform or scattered in , environments.

Associated Weather Systems

Snow flurries are typically linked to synoptic-scale patterns characterized by cold air outbreaks, where or polar air masses advect southward behind weak warm fronts or under the dominance of expansive polar high-pressure systems, fostering conditions for scattered, light across mid-latitudes. These setups often involve upper-level troughs that enhance while maintaining limited , leading to brief, intermittent without substantial organization. In , the experiences frequent snow flurries from minor lake-effect processes, as cold northwesterly winds traverse the unfrozen lakes, generating shallow convective clouds that yield light, disorganized snow bands. Such events are prevalent during mid-latitude winters throughout and , where similar cold air incursions interact with varied terrain to produce localized flurries. Snow flurries predominantly manifest in the during winter months, spanning November to March, with the highest frequency in when initial cold snaps establish seasonal patterns. On a global scale, flurries occur less often in polar regions, where persistent cold temperatures support continuous snow cover rather than intermittent events; in contrast, they appear during cold outbreaks in , , and along the peripheral zones of the European Alps. Similar intermittent light events occur in the during austral winter months (May to September), primarily in mountainous areas such as the and near .

Versus Snow Showers

Snow flurries are characterized by consistently light and intermittent snowfall, typically producing no measurable accumulation beyond trace amounts, whereas snow showers exhibit varying intensities that can include bursts of moderate to heavy snow over short periods. According to the , flurries involve light snowfalls of short duration with no significant buildup, often lasting just a few minutes, while showers represent more vigorous episodes capable of moderate snowfall rates. The cloud origins further distinguish these phenomena: snow flurries generally arise from widespread stratiform cloud layers, which produce steady but light precipitation across broad areas, in contrast to snow showers that form under convective cumuliform clouds, resulting in more organized, banded patterns of snowfall. Stratiform clouds associated with flurries lead to diffuse, less intense snow distribution, while the convective nature of cumuliform clouds in showers allows for rapid vertical development and localized intensity variations. In terms of accumulation, flurries yield negligible , often none at all or only a light dusting that does not stick, ensuring minimal impact on surfaces. showers, however, can deposit 1 to 3 inches in brief bursts, particularly in areas directly under the convective cells, leading to temporary but noticeable ground cover. Regarding frequency and pattern, snow flurries occur in a scattered, unpredictable manner, appearing sporadically without a clear progression, which aligns with their association with stable, layered cloud systems. Snow showers, by comparison, are more episodic, with distinct starts and ends, but can repeat within a larger weather system as convective activity persists, creating intermittent but potentially multiple events.

Versus Snow Squalls and Blizzards

Snow flurries are distinguished from snow squalls and blizzards primarily by the minimal role of , with flurries typically occurring under light that do not significantly affect or snow distribution. In contrast, snow squalls involve sudden, strong gusty , often reducing to less than 1/4 mile due to intense blowing . Blizzards, meanwhile, require sustained of 35 mph or greater combined with heavy falling or blowing , leading to frequent with below 1/4 mile. Regarding duration and severity, snow flurries are short-lived events lasting only minutes and producing mild conditions with little to no accumulation, often resulting in just a light dusting on surfaces. Snow squalls, while also brief—typically under one hour—are far more intense, featuring rapid bursts of heavy snow and gusts that create hazardous, sudden whiteouts. Blizzards persist for at least three hours or longer, generating life-threatening scenarios through prolonged high winds, heavy snowfall, and extreme cold that exacerbate drifting and accumulation. Official criteria further highlight these differences: snow flurries do not warrant any weather advisories, as they pose negligible risk. Snow squalls trigger specific Snow Squall Warnings when intense snowfall and strong gusty winds combine with sub-freezing temperatures to sharply reduce to 1/4 mile or less for brief periods, alerting to immediate driving dangers. Blizzards meet National Weather Service thresholds for Blizzard Warnings, including sustained winds of 35 mph or more and considerable snow reducing below 1/4 mile for three hours. Illustrative examples underscore these distinctions; snow flurries commonly appear during clear, cold snaps with stable air, scattering light snow without disruption. Snow squalls often emerge within bands or along advancing cold fronts, delivering abrupt intensity over small areas. Blizzards, by comparison, develop in large-scale systems like nor'easters, sustaining severe conditions across wide regions.

Observation and Impacts

Detection Methods

Snow flurries are primarily detected using systems, which identify the light through weak and scattered returns characterized by low reflectivity values, typically below 20 dBZ, unlike heavier snow events that exceed such thresholds for stronger signals. These faint echoes arise from the small, sparse snow particles in flurries, allowing meteorologists to distinguish them from more intense phenomena despite challenges in resolution for very light events. The National Weather Service's WSR-88D network routinely scans for these subtle patterns to provide near-real-time monitoring of flurry occurrences. Satellite imagery plays a key role in detecting and tracking snow flurries by capturing thin, stratiform layers associated with their formation, using visible and channels on geostationary satellites like GOES-East and GOES-West. In visible imagery, flurries appear as subtle brightness variations in low-level s during daylight, while channels reveal cooler cloud tops indicative of light precipitation development, enabling real-time animation loops for evolution assessment. These observations complement data by providing broader regional context, particularly for widespread or intermittent flurry bands. Ground-based observations confirm flurries through a of spotter reports and automated sensors, focusing on intermittent light snowfall with negligible accumulation. Automated Surface Observing System () stations, deployed by the , log "light " events using sensors that detect low-intensity hydrometeors without measurable depth increase, often below 0.1 inches per hour. Disdrometers, such as optical video models, further quantify these by measuring particle size distributions and fall speeds of sparse crystals, revealing the low rates typical of flurries (e.g., less than 1 mm/hour liquid equivalent). Forecasting snow flurries relies on short-range models like the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR), which simulate low quantitative forecast (QPF) outputs, generally under 0.1 inches of liquid equivalent, under conditions of marginal and . The HRRR's 3-km grid resolution captures the convective bursts leading to flurries, with updates every hour aiding in probabilistic alerts for light episodes. These models integrate and inputs to refine predictions, emphasizing the transient nature of flurries without significant accumulation.

Effects on Human Activities

Snow flurries, characterized by light and intermittent snowfall with little to no accumulation, generally cause minor disruptions to . On untreated roads, they can create slight slick spots due to brief of snowflakes, potentially increasing the risk of minor skids for vehicles, though major road closures are rare. Aviation impacts are typically minimal, with routine operations continuing without significant interruption. In daily life, snow flurries lead to brief interruptions in outdoor activities, such as short pauses in pedestrian movement or recreational pursuits, but they do not typically result in widespread cancellations. In winter regions, these light events can provide psychological benefits, evoking a and tranquility that boosts mood and fosters a childlike among residents. Economically, snow flurries impose negligible costs relative to major winter storms, with occasional use of salt or mixtures in urban areas to enhance road traction during the short duration of the event. Safety advisories for flurries are limited to general winter cautions, such as reducing speed and increasing following , as no formal warnings are issued due to the low accumulation risk. Slip-and-fall incidents remain rare, given the minimal formation, though low visibility during active flurries warrants brief attention to footing on walkways.

References

  1. https://forecast.weather.gov/glossary.php?word=snow%20flurries
  2. https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/winter/types/
  3. https://www.weather.gov/media/erh/ta/ta93-11a.pdf
  4. https://www.weather.gov/ctp/snowsquall
  5. https://www.weather.gov/abq/prepwinterwxpreciptype
  6. https://www.weather.gov/gjt/snowmeasure
  7. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flurry
  8. https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/flurry
  9. https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/learn-about/weather/types-of-weather/snow
  10. https://forecast.weather.gov/glossary.php?word=snow+flurries
  11. https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/the-difference-between-wet-and-powdery-snow/171812
  12. https://www.weather.gov/ama/preciptypes
  13. https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/24/5247/2024/
  14. https://www.weather.gov/lmk/winter-precip
  15. https://www.weather.gov/key/cloudchart
  16. https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/mwre/132/3/1520-0493_2004_132_0827_sdtcoo_2.0.co_2.xml
  17. https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter-lake-effect-snow
  18. https://appstate.edu/~perrylb/Research/Publications/Misc/Perry_2006_Diss.pdf
  19. https://forecast.weather.gov/glossary.php?word=snow
  20. https://nsidc.org/learn/parts-cryosphere/snow
  21. https://forecast.weather.gov/glossary.php?word=snow%20shower
  22. https://www.dictionary.com/e/snow-flurries-vs-showers/
  23. https://www.weather.gov/media/ajk/brochures/ConvectivevsStratiform.pdf
  24. https://www.weather.gov/okx/winterpns3
  25. https://www.masslive.com/weather/2015/02/snow_showers_additional_1_to_3.html
  26. https://www.weather.gov/lwx/warningsdefined
  27. https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter-snow-squall
  28. https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/winter/detection/
  29. https://forecast.weather.gov/glossary.php?letter=s
  30. https://www.weather.gov/asos/
  31. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/14/23/6025
  32. https://rapidrefresh.noaa.gov/sfd/20201224_disc.html
  33. https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter-snow
  34. https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/snow-mental-health-benefits-nostalgia-joy/742754
  35. https://www.ncdot.gov/travel-maps/traffic-travel/severe-weather/Pages/treating-roads.aspx
  36. https://www.weather.gov/lbf/wwadterminology
  37. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/winter-weather-are-falls-and-slips-avoidable
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