Cold Front
A cold front refers to the transition region between two different masses of air characterized by a sharp change in temperature and humidity. The front is formed when a mass of cold and dense air moves into an area occupied by warmer and less dense air, causing the warmer air to rise rapidly. As the warm air rises, it cools and condenses, forming clouds and eventually rain or thunderstorms. Cold fronts are often accompanied by gusty winds, thunderstorms, and temperature drops, causing a significant change in the weather pattern of the region. They can stretch tens to hundreds of miles wide, and the speed and severity of their movement can vary depending on the strength of the air mass. In summary, a cold front represents a weather boundary between mass of cold air replacing a mass of warm air, leading to a sudden shift in temperature and other meteorological conditions.
« Back to Glossary Index