A peculiar meteorological phenomenon referred to as “industrial snowfall” is believed to have occurred near Heathrow airport earlier this year, as revealed by satellite imagery and a study conducted by Dr Julian Mayes, an independent weather and climate consultant. The event, observed on January 23, featured three large, white bands on the ground in parts of Surrey, a rare occurrence that might be associated with pollution-triggered snowfall.
The study proposes that this industrial snowfall happens when moisture in the air condenses around tiny particles of pollution, forming snowflakes. Dr. Mayes, who noticed the dry snow near industrial facilities southeast of Heathrow, suggests that the unique conditions required for this phenomenon include sufficiently low temperatures and abundant atmospheric moisture.
The discovery unfolded as Dr. Mayes observed what initially seemed like a frosty morning, with freezing fog enveloping the village of West Molesey, Surrey. Upon closer inspection, the snow, described as dry and akin to “desiccated coconut,” appeared to have been deposited from above, raising questions about its origin given the prevailing high-pressure conditions and minimal expected precipitation.
Satellite images of eastern Surrey on the morning of January 23 revealed three bands resembling light snowfall. Dr. Mayes speculates that a gentle wind may have pushed the industrial snow north-northwest, depositing it along specific tracks. While other factors, such as ice trails from airport planes or moisture from nearby reservoirs, could have influenced the event, the evidence points towards pollution-triggered snow formation.
Although industrial snowfall is a rare occurrence in the UK, it has been reported in the past, with a 2009 study mentioning an incident associated with emissions from a cider works. The phenomenon, not typically forecasted, can surprise observers and has also been documented in the US, such as a case in Amarillo, Texas, in 2014, attributed to steam from large power plants.
Experts suggest that such unusual snowfall might become even rarer in the UK due to rising average temperatures linked to global heating. Dr. Mayes considers his observation of the phenomenon as “absolute chance,” emphasizing its localized nature and the potential for it to go unnoticed just a short distance away.
