What phenomenon occurs when rain freezes upon contact with cold surfaces?

Freezing rain is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when rain falls and encounters a surface that is below freezing temperature. Upon contact with these cold surfaces, the liquid raindrops immediately freeze, forming a layer of ice. This can create dangerously slick conditions on roadways, sidewalks, and other surfaces.

In contrast to other forms of winter precipitation, like snowfall or sleet—which consist of solid ice particles forming either from snowflakes or ice pellets—freezing rain specifically involves liquid droplets that freeze on contact. This characteristic makes freezing rain particularly hazardous as it can lead to significant ice accumulation and associated problems like power outages and difficult travel conditions.