What determines whether precipitation falls is a liquid or a solid?

The form of precipitation—liquid or solid—primarily depends on the temperature profile of the atmosphere between the cloud base and the ground. If temperatures are above freezing throughout this layer, precipitation falls as rain. Conversely, if temperatures are below freezing, precipitation will likely fall as snow, sleet, or hail, depending on the specific conditions within the atmosphere. Additionally, the rate at which the temperature changes with altitude can also influence the type of precipitation that occurs.