Snow is Not Actually White
Snow is actually clear, like glass. It looks white because sunlight bounces off the many edges of the tiny ice crystals. This scatters the light in every direction.
See where it is snowing right now around the world. Our map uses real-time data from people checking the forecast in their own cities.
Snow is actually clear, like glass. It looks white because sunlight bounces off the many edges of the tiny ice crystals. This scatters the light in every direction.
Every single snowflake starts with a tiny speck of dust or pollen. Water vapor freezes around this speck to create a unique ice crystal in the clouds.
Fresh snow is made of 90% air. This air helps trap heat. It acts like a warm blanket for the ground, protecting plants and small animals from freezing temperatures.
If our map shows blue over your town, it's time to head outside! Here are three easy ways to enjoy a fresh snow day.
Check the blue areas on the map above. These spots show exactly where users are reporting winter weather and checking for snow accumulation right now.
Usually, the temperature must be at or below 32°F (0°C). However, it can still snow if the air high up in the clouds is very cold.