In general, a warmer climate causes more of this precipitation to fall in the form of rain instead of snow. Some places, however, could see more snowfall if temperatures rise but still remain below the freezing point, or if storm tracks change.

What factors influence snowfall?

Relative humidity, temperature and longitude were identified as three of the most important variables influencing snowfall and snowfall prediction in both models, while elevation, aspect and latitude were of secondary importance, followed by slope and wind speed.

What is the cause and effect of snowfall?

A heavy snowfall results from abundant water vapor combined with strong and persistent rising motion in the clouds. Snow can also form from very cold air flowing over a large ice-free lake, a situation called lake effect snow.