Jasmine: Hi! I’m Jasmine.
Chrissy: And I’m Chrissy. Welcome to The Sound of Science on WNIJ.
Jasmine: Today, we’re diving into a fun topic: why does it feel like it snows more at night?
Chrissy: It might seem like nighttime is when the snow really piles up, but it’s often just our perception. Snow can fall anytime, but a few factors make us notice it more after dark.
Jasmine: First off, snow is quiet! Unlike rain, which patters heavily on surfaces, fresh snow has air trapped between its little crystals. This air absorbs sound, making the world feel calmer and quieter at night. When the usual daytime noises are gone, you notice any snow falling much more.
Chrissy: That’s so true! These tiny snow crystals also reflect light really well. Even on a seemingly dark night with just a sliver of the Moon, the snow can brighten things up. Streetlights and city lights bounce off the flakes, illuminating the surroundings, especially when it’s cloudy. The clouds can act like a mirror, sending light back down to the ground.
Jasmine: Another reason it feels like it snows more at night is the temperature. Nights are usually chillier since the Sun isn’t out to warm things up. This cold air keeps the snow from melting, so more moisture turns into solid snowflakes instead of rain.
Chrissy: Right! During the day, even if it’s cloudy, the Sun can still warm the air. Sometimes, that warmth is enough to stop snow from forming or to make it melt before hitting the ground. You might have heard of snow virga, when snow falls but evaporates before reaching the ground. At night, when there’s no solar heat, the snow has a better chance of sticking.
Jasmine: And that’s why those snowy nights seem so magical! You’re listening to The Sound of Science on WNIJ. We hope you learned something new today.
