Earth Science Regents Practice Exam

A warm front is typically associated with long periods of light rain or drizzle. This occurs because as a warm air mass moves into an area occupied by colder air, the warm air gradually rises over the cold air. As it rises, it cools and condenses, forming clouds that can lead to steady, prolonged precipitation. This scenario often results in overcast skies and lighter rain compared to the intense thunderstorms commonly linked with cold fronts.

The conditions associated with other choices, like heavy thunderstorms, severe wind gusts, or snowstorms, generally arise from different atmospheric dynamics, particularly those associated with cold fronts or specific winter weather conditions. In contrast, warm fronts do not produce the same level of severe weather but instead lead to more gentle, steady precipitation patterns.