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Different week, more squalls, this time with graupel. I think we’ll have a lot of this over the next few days, particularly Friday as an upper-level low approaches. The upper atmosphere is very cool and higher sun angles will allow for more substantial daytime heating and the formation of convective showers.

Graupel forms when supercooled water droplets freeze on contact with a snowflake, forming a “snow pellet.” Graupel is often mistaken for snow or hail, but it is a different type of precipitation entirely! It often falls out of cumulonimbus clouds and plays a role in the formation of lightning in thunderstorms.

No lightning strikes have been recorded around Western Washington so far today, and the threat should decrease dramatically after sunset.

The picture was taken by Robin Pflager on Bothell Way in Kenmore. Perhaps we can title it “The Graupel from Bothell”? 🙂

Robin Pflager snapped this picture of “The Graupel From Bothell” after a