Weather During a Warm Front Passage:
As a warm front approaches, the weather typically becomes cloudier and more humid. You might first notice high cirrus clouds, followed by increasing cloud cover that includes altostratus and, eventually, nimbostratus. As the warm air is lifted over the cooler air ahead of the front, it cools and condenses, leading to steady, extended light to moderate rainfall. This precipitation can last for hours or even days. Temperatures begin to rise gradually as the warm air mass replaces the cooler one. Winds generally shift from the east or southeast to the south, becoming warmer and more humid. After the warm front passes, expect clearer skies and warmer temperatures, often resulting in a more stable atmosphere.
Weather During a Cold Front Passage:
In contrast, when a cold front moves through, the weather changes rapidly and dramatically. Before the cold front arrives, you might experience warm and humid conditions, often with some cumulus clouds developing. However, as the cold front approaches, expect a sudden drop in temperature, along with increased wind speeds. The air pressure will start to drop before the front passes, and this will be followed by an abrupt shift to rising pressure as the front moves through.
The cold front itself is associated with more severe weather. You may see towering cumulonimbus clouds forming, leading to short, intense bursts of thunderstorms, which can include heavy rain, lightning, and sometimes hail or tornadoes. After the passage of the cold front, expect a swift clearing of the skies and a noticeable drop in temperature. Winds will shift to come from the northwest, becoming cooler and drier, resulting in improved conditions. Overall, the transition from warm to cold air can create unstable atmospheres, leading to rapid weather changes.