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Name: Lisa
Status: educator
Grade: 6-8
Location: TX
Country: USA
Date: Spring 2012
Question:
How long does the ground need to be cold before snow will 'stick' [as in more temperate/hot climates]?

Replies:
Lisa,

The temperature of the ground or vegetation at the surface is more important than the length of time that the ground is cold.

If the temperature of the ground or vegetation is near or below freezing, the snow will stay and not melt, assuming that the air temperature is near or below freezing.

David R. Cook Meteorologist Climate Research Section Environmental Science Division Argonne National Laboratory

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