How to Forecast a Cold Front

Cold fronts are associated with dry air. They typically move from the north to the south in the northern hemisphere and from the south to the north in the southern hemisphere. At times they can be associated with cyclones. Here is how you can tell if a cold front is on the way.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Recognize that a warm front is moving away from your area. Fronts are replaced by other fronts. The result is a lot of wind, and often storm systems develop. If you are currently experiencing rain in your area, but there seems to be a lightening in the amount of rain that you are getting, then you can expect that a cold front is moving into the area and bringing drier air and cooler temperatures with it.

2. Look for cirrus clouds. Cirrus clouds are high and are composed of ice crystals. You can recognize them by their wispy, feathered appearance.

3. Recognize the amount of moisture in the air. Cold fronts are usually made up of dry air. If the air feels like it is getting dryer than it was earlier, then you can be reasonably sure that a cold front is moving into your area.

4. Look for a reduction in heavy, low-lying clouds. These clouds are usually associated with air that is high in water content. The amount of moisture in warm fronts is noticeable in the heavy clouds. They are usually heavy with water and are ready to rain.

5. Look for lowering temperatures. If the temperature is going down, that is usually because a warm front is moving out of the area and is being replaced with a cold front. Because cold fronts move from areas with low temperatures into areas with higher temperatures, a reduction in temperature is usually associated with a cold front.

Tips & Warnings

• Compare your predictions with those of the National Weather Service to test your accuracy.
• Cold fronts can cause inclement weather and they move quickly, so you may want to seek shelter if you detect one.