It makes trees turn gray: weather forecasters explain what hoarfrost is and how it forms in dangerous weather

With the arrival of winter temperatures, trees turn gray. Forecasters from the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center explained that this is hoarfrost.

To form this fabulous landscape, you need very cold air saturated with water vapor, such as in thick fogs that create danger by reducing visibility on the roads. At the same time, the surface temperature should be below zero, the scientists explained on the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center Facebook page.

"The process of hoarfrost formation is called sublimation. Water vapor in the air does not go through the liquid stage but immediately turns into solid ice particles that cover the surface in a pattern," the forecasters said in a post.

Hoarfrost looks especially beautiful in calm weather, when frost crystals grow symmetrically and resemble miniature and perfect jeweler's creations. "Some types of hoarfrost create intricate patterns as a result of the crystals growing at different angles, depending on the wind direction or humidity. Sometimes they resemble feathers, flowers, or even stars. And the ability of ice crystals to reflect sunlight creates the effect of sparkling diamonds," the experts said.

Scientists from the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center emphasized that hoarfrost has a unique property - it can change the acoustics of the area. "Covering the surface, it muffles sounds, creating a special "silence" that you feel on a winter morning," the experts added.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that the winter of 2024-2025 in Ukraine may be milder than in previous years, but with surprises.

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