sníh

Sníh is the Czech word for snow. In meteorology, snow refers to precipitation composed of ice crystals that form in clouds when water vapor freezes at temperatures near or below freezing. Snowflakes develop by deposition and crystallization, and their shapes depend on air temperature, humidity, and turbulence; common forms range from delicate dendrites to simple plates.

Upon reaching the ground, snow can be light and powdery or wet and heavy, with its properties changing as it compacts and metamorphoses under temperature gradients. A layer of snow on the ground can insulate soil, influence surface albedo, and store water that is gradually released during thaw. Snow depth and duration depend on regional climate and weather, and melting patterns affect hydrology and agriculture.

Snow is a familiar feature of winters in the Czech Republic and surrounding Central Europe. In mountainous areas it poses hazards such as road disruptions and avalanches, while also enabling winter recreation and sports like skiing. The term sníh appears frequently in Czech literature and culture as a symbol of winter.