What occurs during cold fronts?

During a cold front, the change in air masses leads to a significant shift in weather conditions. A cold front occurs when a colder, denser air mass moves in, displacing a warmer air mass that is generally lighter. The warmer air is forced to rise quickly, which can lead to instability in the atmosphere. As the warm air rises, it cools and condenses, resulting in the formation of clouds and precipitation.

Widespread thunderstorms and rain showers are typical occurrences associated with cold fronts. The rapid ascent of the warm air can create cumulonimbus clouds, which are capable of producing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and even severe weather phenomena such as hail or tornadoes. This pattern leads to a brief but intense period of precipitation followed by a drop in temperature.

The other options describe weather phenomena that do not align with the characteristics of cold fronts. Steady and gentle rain typically happens with warm fronts, clear skies and high temperatures are often seen after a cold front has passed, and gradual cooling and dry conditions describe the weather that might follow after the cold front has moved through, rather than conditions occurring during the frontal passage itself.