When Does It Sleet Instead of Snow?

Sleet is type of precipitation distinct from snow, hail, and freezing rain. It forms under certain weather conditions, when a temperature inversion causes snow to melt, then refreeze.

At what temp does it sleet?

Sleet Forms in Layers of Air (Warm above Cold)

During precipitation formation, if temperatures are at or below freezing, 0°C (32°F), at cloud level, water in the air freezes into ice crystals, and the crystals stick together to make snow.

How cold does it have to be to snow or sleet?

Snow forms when the atmospheric temperature is at or below freezing (0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit) and there is a minimum amount of moisture in the air. If the ground temperature is at or below freezing, the snow will reach the ground.