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Frontal systems occur where two air masses (with different temperatures and humidity levels) meet creating distinct weather changes. The three main types are cold front, warm front and occluded
Cold front
Cold front
Formation: A cold air mass pushes under a warm air mass, forcing it to rise rapidly.
Weather Changes:
Before: Warm, humid conditions.
During: Heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds.
After: Cooler, clear skies (cumulus clouds may remain).
Warm Front
Warm Front
Formation: A warm air mass slides over a cold air mass, rising gradually.
Weather Changes:
Before: Light drizzle, overcast skies (cirrus then stratus clouds).
During: Steady rain or snow.
After: Warmer, more humid, with scattered clouds.
Occluded Front
Occluded Front
Formation: A cold front catches up to a warm front, lifting the warm air completely off the ground.
Weather Changes:
Before: Mixed precipitation (rain + snow).
During: Prolonged rain, strong winds.
After: Cooler, clearing conditions.
Mid-latitude cyclones (or extratropical cyclones) are large low-pressure systems that form between 30°-60° latitude (polar front zone) Along the polar front (where cold polar air meets warm subtropical air) responsible for most rainy/windy weather in temperate regions.
Formation & Development Stages
Formation & Development Stages
Cyclones evolve through 3 stages (Norwegian Cyclone Model):
Wave Stage
A kink forms on the polar front → creates warm front (red) and cold front (blue)
Weather: Light rain (warm front), scattered showers (cold front)
Mature Stage
Cold front overtakes warm front → low pressure intensifies
Warm sector trapped between two fronts
Weather: Heavy rain (cold front), thunderstorms, strong winds
Occlusion Stage
Cold front catches warm front → lifts warm air completely off ground
Forms an occluded front (purple)
Weather: Prolonged rain/snow, winds weaken as cyclone dissipate
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