“Industrial” snow fell in Beauvais, but what is this unusual phenomenon?

It’s a nice (or bad) surprise for the residents of Beauvais this Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Upon waking up, the Beauvais residents were able to notice the presence of snow on the ground, in certain neighborhoods such as ZUP Argentina, Saint-Lucien, Marissel or even near the city center.

And light white coat covers the roads and sidewalks of many streets this morning in the largest city in Oise.

“Industrial” snow in Beauvais

But this is no ordinary snow. In fact, this is called “industrial” snow. What could it possibly be about?

Those who are more careful will have noticed that this snow is particularly fine.

“During periods of calm and cold weather in winter, despite the absence of disturbance, it happens that it snows in certain urban areas or near industrial complexes. Linked to the conjunction of particular winter weather conditions and human activities, this snow is called ‘industrial’, ‘urban’ or even ‘pollution’”, explains Weather France.

As you will have understood, it is therefore snow linked to pollution… But it is not fake snow however.

“Pollution linked to industries”

“Particles emitted by human activities can play the role of condensation nuclei around which the water vapor will agglomerate to form snowflakes”, develops Weather France.

It is the pollution linked to industries, traffic and heating appliances which will fill the ambient air with additional humidity but also with small solid particles called “condensation nuclei”. At negative temperatures and in the absence of wind, water vapor attaches to these nuclei, freezes and turns into snow.

Surprised to see this phenomenon in front of their homes, many residents of Beauvais shared photos of this phenomenon on social networks.

The weather forecast should quickly trend towards an increase in temperatures in the coming hours in the Oise. If it was -2°C this morning in Beauvais, the mercury should display 5°C this afternoon, before climbing to 9°C this weekend.

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