Lumipyrystä

Lumipyrystä is a Finnish term that translates to "snow squall" or "snow flurry" in English. It refers to a sudden and often brief period of moderate to heavy snowfall. These events are typically characterized by a rapid decrease in visibility and a significant accumulation of snow over a short duration. Lumipyrystä can occur in various weather conditions, but they are most commonly associated with cold fronts or the passage of a low-pressure system.

The intensity of a lumipyrystä can vary. While some are mild, causing only a light dusting of snow and a slight reduction in visibility, others can be severe, leading to near-whiteout conditions. These more intense squalls can make driving hazardous and disrupt transportation. The duration of a lumipyrystä is also variable, ranging from a few minutes to an hour or more.

Unlike a prolonged blizzard, which involves sustained strong winds and heavy snowfall over an extended period, a lumipyrystä is usually more localized and shorter-lived. However, the sudden onset of heavy snow and reduced visibility can pose similar dangers to those experiencing a blizzard. In meteorological terms, a snow squall is often a localized phenomenon, and understanding its characteristics is important for weather forecasting and public safety.