Air Masses and Fronts

An air mass is a large body of air that has uniform temperature and humidity characteristics.

The four main types of fronts are cold fronts, warm fronts, stationary fronts, and occluded fronts.

A cold front occurs when a cold air mass pushes a warmer air mass up rapidly, often leading to storms.

A warm front occurs when a warm air mass meets a colder air mass and rises over it, usually bringing gentle rain.

A stationary front is when two air masses meet and neither is strong enough to replace the other, leading to prolonged weather conditions.

An occluded front occurs when a cold front overtakes a warm front, lifting the warm air mass off the ground.

Cold fronts can cause sudden temperature drops, thunderstorms, and heavy rain.

Warm fronts typically bring gradual increases in temperature and prolonged, steady precipitation.

Pressure systems indicate areas of high or low pressure, which influence weather patterns and conditions.

A cold front is typically found near Seattle.