If ice pellets are encountered, what can be expected next in the weather sequence?

When ice pellets are encountered during a weather event, they typically form in a specific atmospheric environment that includes a layer of warm air aloft and a colder layer at the surface. Ice pellets, also known as sleet, occur when snowflakes partially melt as they fall through the warm air, then refreeze into pellets as they pass through a colder layer before reaching the ground.

Following the occurrence of ice pellets, the likelihood is that the precipitation type may transition into freezing rain. This is due to the same atmospheric conditions that produce ice pellets. As warmer air continues to push over colder air, a further warming aloft can lead to more complete melting of the precipitation, transitioning it from ice pellets to liquid rain. However, if the surface temperatures remain below freezing, this liquid rain will freeze upon contact with surfaces, creating freezing rain.

Thus, after experiencing ice pellets, it is common to expect a continuation of the mixed precipitation sequence that can lead to freezing rain. It reflects the dynamic nature of weather systems, especially when warm and cold air masses interact.