how can it be too cold for snow?

[teacup88]

is it a myth or what is the science behind it?

[ChuckFickens]

Cold air can't hold as much water vapour as warmer air and if there is no water vapour in the air then there can be no snow.

(though it's rarely gets too cold to snow, but it's harder for snow to form at very cold temperatures)

[teacup88]

perfect! thankyou very much :)

[mollykins]

An interesting fact for you to do with this. Antarctica technically counts for the driest place on earth because it is to cold for precipertation to fall there, but it also counts as the wettest technically as it has some much water held in the ice . . . .

[annie0000]

Also when it is really cold it usually because there are clear skies and if it's not cloudy it doesn't snow!

[ChuckFickens]

"Also when it is really cold it usually because there are clear skies"

Yes, that will be a lack of water vapour in the air.

[R1Geezer]

It's never "too cold to snow", however certain conditions create an environment where snow is not likely, this is usually cold clear high pressure, hence the saying but in reality it snows at -50 in several places so it's not a temperature issue.

[annie0000]

lol chuck - you know what I mean. It's when we dont have our cosy cloudy blanket!