Arkansas Storm Team Blog: Snow, sleet, freezing rain... What's the difference?

The difference between snow, ice, and freezing rain is dependent on the temperature in layers in the atmosphere. Mainly from the base of the ground, where snow is falling, and all the way to the ground. If there's any pockets of air that are above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, snow won't reach the ground. It'll melt, and change what precipitation type is experienced at the surface.