Air masses are categorized by their humidity and temperature. Fronts are a boundary that forms when air masses meet.
Cold Front
*as cold air moves forward, warm air is pushed upward*
cold air mass displaces a warm air mass
cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds form
Usually produce thunderstorms with heavy percipitation
Move into regions quickly
Breif, heavy storms are likely
After storms, the air is cooler and often very clear
Warm Front- *warm air gradually moves up and over a mass of denser, colder air*
- warm air mass overtakes cold air mass
- nimbostratus clouds form
- constant rain/snow (for at least 24 hours)
- move more slowly than cold fronts
- bring many hours of steady rain/snow
- After the front passes, it is often warmer