Cold Fronts

What are cold fronts?

Cold fronts are the boundary of an advancing mass of cold air, in

particular the trailing edge of the warm sector of a low – pressure
system. Winds will be strongest, erratic and gusty as the front
approaches. Winds will continue to shift as the passes, gradually
resulting in strong, gusty and cool winds out of the west and north-
west.

Effects of cold fronts

 As the cold front passes, winds become gusty. Ther 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 are cold fronts formed?

Cold fronts are formed when a cold air mass pushes into a warmer air
mass. Cold front can produce dramatic changes in the weather.

How to identify cold fronts?

Ways to identify fronts are:
 Sharp temperature changes over relatively short distances
 Changes in the moisture content of the air (drew point)
 Shifts in wind direction
 Low pressure troughs and pressure changes
 Clouds and precipitation pattens