Last week in Lithuania, an uncommon weather phenomenon occurred as what appeared to be ice needles, rather than standard snowflakes, fell from the sky. This event was highlighted by weather enthusiast Vidmantas Panavas in the 'Weather Enthusiasts' group, where he shared his observations of this unique sight. Such phenomena are not typical and caught the attention of many in the community, demonstrating how weather can surprise and captivate onlookers.

Meteorologist Gytis Valaika from the 'Weather and Climate in Lithuania' group explained that these 'needles' are, in fact, still classified as snowflakes. They form under specific temperature conditions, between approximately -3 to -7 degrees Celsius. Valaika elaborated on the different shapes of snowflakes, which can include plates, columns, and needles. These distinctive formations result from the combination of certain temperatures and saturated humidity in the air, prompting curiosity about the nature of snowflake formation.

In an interesting note, significantly larger ice 'needles' were reported by residents in Kaunas in March 2023, highlighting the variation in weather phenomena within Lithuania. This recent snowfall is not only a fascinating weather incident but also serves as a reminder of the dynamic and sometimes surprising nature of winter weather in the region, keeping the population engaged and informed about climatic conditions.