The presence of ice pellets at the surface indicates what atmospheric condition?

The presence of ice pellets at the surface strongly indicates that there is freezing rain occurring at a higher altitude. Ice pellets, or sleet, form when snowflakes fall through a layer of warm air, melting partially into raindrops. If these droplets then pass through a layer of freezing air before reaching the ground, they can freeze again and arrive at the surface as ice pellets. This scenario reveals that there is a temperature inversion, where warmer air is sandwiched between layers of cold air, creating conditions conducive to freezing rain above the surface.

Understanding this phenomenon helps pilots recognize weather patterns and anticipate the potential for hazardous conditions during flight. In this case, the correct answer aligns with the premise that conditions at altitude lead to the formation of ice pellets as they interact with different temperature layers in the atmosphere.