What weather conditions typically lead to carburetor icing?

Carburetor icing generally occurs under specific weather conditions, particularly in cold and humid environments. The critical factor leading to carburetor icing is the temperature drop that happens when fuel vaporizes in the carburetor. This process absorbs heat and can result in temperatures falling to the point where moisture in the air may freeze, forming ice within the carburetor.

Cold and humid conditions are particularly conducive to carburetor icing because the air can hold a significant amount of humidity, and as this moisture enters the carburetor, the cooling effect of fuel vaporization can lead to ice formation. Additionally, the phenomenon is most likely to occur when temperatures are below 70°F (21°C) and when relative humidity is high.

In contrast, hot and humid weather, clear and dry weather, and temperature inversions do not typically produce the same conditions required for icing to form. Hot air can hold more moisture, but the higher temperatures reduce the likelihood of ice formation. Clear and dry weather lacks humidity, while temperature inversions create a stable layer in the atmosphere where cooler air could be trapped, but again, they do not primarily contribute to the specific conditions needed for carburetor icing.