FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Exam

What weather is specifically associated with warm fronts?

1. Heavy snowfall

2. Continuous rain and drizzle

3. High winds and clear skies

4. Rapid temperature increases

The correct answer is: Continuous rain and drizzle

Warm fronts are characterized by the gradual transition of warm air moving into an area previously occupied by cooler air. This interaction creates distinct weather patterns. The primary weather phenomenon associated with warm fronts is continuous rain and drizzle. As the warm air rises over the cold air, it cools and condenses, forming clouds that usually result in steady, prolonged precipitation. This type of precipitation tends to be light to moderate and can last over a longer period, distinguishing warm front weather from that associated with cold fronts, where precipitation is often brief but intense. Heavy snowfall typically occurs in winter weather conditions and is more closely linked with colder air masses and specific atmospheric setups rather than the gradual lift and cooling associated with warm fronts. High winds and clear skies are features more commonly seen with the passage of a cold front, where temperatures drop and air pressure changes abruptly. Rapid temperature increases can occur with the passage of a warm front, as the warm air arrives; however, it is the continuous rain and drizzle that serve as the hallmark of warm front conditions.