Table of Contents
What is a front in terms of weather and climate?
A weather front is a boundary separating air masses of several characteristics such as air density, wind, and humidity.
Why is it called a weather front?
front, in meteorology, interface or transition zone between two air masses of different density and temperature; the sporadic flareups of weather along this zone, with occasional thunderstorms and electrical activity, was, to the Norwegian meteorologists who gave it its name during World War I, analogous to the …
How does a front appear on a weather map?
On a weather map, a warm front is usually drawn using a solid red line with half circles pointing in the direction of the cold air that will be replaced. Warm fronts usually move from southwest to northeast. On a weather map, a stationary front is usually drawn using alternating cold front and warm front symbols.
What determines the speed of a weather front?
The severity of the clouds and precipitation occurring along a front are dependent on: The slope of the front. The speed of the frontal movement.
How can you tell if a front is warm or cold?
An abrupt temperature change over a short distance is a good indication that a front is located somewhere in between. If warmer air is replacing colder air, then the front should be analyzed as a warm front. If colder air is replacing warmer air, then the front should be analyzed as a cold front.
How is warm front different from a cold front?
A cold weather front is defined as the changeover region where a cold air mass is replacing a warmer air mass. Cold weather fronts usually move from northwest to southeast. Warm fronts usually move from southwest to northeast and the air behind a warm front is warmer and moister than the air ahead of it.
What weather comes with a cold front?
As the cold front passes, winds become gusty. There is a sudden drop in temperature, and also heavy rain, sometimes with hail, thunder, and lightning. Atmospheric pressure changes from falling to rising at the front.
How do fronts affect weather?
When a front passes over an area, it means a change in the weather. Many fronts cause weather events such as rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and tornadoes. At a cold front, there may be dramatic thunderstorms. At a warm front, there may be low stratus clouds.
How do you know if its a cold front?
The air mass behind a cold front is likely to be cooler and drier than the one before the front. If a cold front is approaching, precipitation is possible just before and while the front passes. Behind the front, expect clearing skies, cooler temperatures, and lower relative humdities.