Weather Whys: Why is it so quiet after a fresh snow?

 

Have you ever noticed how quiet it can be after a fresh snowfall? We are dissecting the science in today's Weather Whys.

Fresh fallen snow is very porous and similar to sound proofing foam. The exact amount of absorption snow has depends on the content of the snow and how much falls but a couple inches of snow can absorb 60% of sound. Fluffy snow is best at absorbing sound and wetter, heavier snows can sometimes have the opposite effect causing sound to bounce more.

Weather Whys is a segment by Meteorologist Justin Thompson-Gee that airs during the CBS 58 News on WMLW - The M from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. The segment answers viewer weather questions, explains weather phenomena and reveals interesting weather stats. To submit your question reach out to Justin on Facebook, Twitter or by emailing him at JThompson-Gee@cbs58.com.