What is freezing rain?

Freezing rain is defined as liquid rain that freezes upon contact with surfaces that are at or below freezing temperatures. This phenomenon occurs when there is a layer of warm air above a layer of cold air close to the ground. As rain falls through the warm layer, it remains liquid. When this liquid rain reaches the cold surfaces, such as roads, trees, or power lines, it freezes instantly upon impact, creating a layer of ice. This can lead to hazardous conditions like slick roads and ice accumulation on structures, posing significant challenges for transport and infrastructure.

The other options do not accurately describe freezing rain: rain that evaporates before reaching the ground refers to virga, while snow falling in liquid form is not a possible occurrence under typical atmospheric conditions. Ice that forms in clouds indicates the process of cloud formation at sub-zero temperatures, which is not relevant to the definition of freezing rain.