What happened
Prior to departing on a night cross-country flight, the pilot obtained four separate weather briefings. During the initial briefing from the Flight Service Station (FSS), the briefer advised that VFR flight was not recommended because a fast-moving cold front, characterized by snow and low ceilings, was approaching the pilot's intended destination.
In a subsequent update, the pilot was informed that while no specific flight precautions were required for the route, the forecast indicated light snow and visibility of four miles. A second briefing included information from satellite imagery showing a "pulse of moisture" located west of the planned course.
During the flight, the pilot notified Air Traffic Control (ATC) that he was descending from his current altitude because he had entered snow showers and was experiencing difficulty seeing the ground. Following this communication, the pilot failed to respond to further radio calls from ATC.