What is a Warm Front?

A warm front is a boundary between two air masses where warm air advances over a retreating mass of cooler air. This type of front typically moves slowly and is associated with gradual, widespread weather changes.

As the warm air rises over the cooler air, it cools and condenses, forming clouds and precipitation. Warm fronts often bring steady rain, drizzle, or fog, sometimes lasting for extended periods. Unlike cold fronts, which bring sudden and intense storms, warm fronts usually lead to gentler, longer-lasting precipitation.

In severe weather scenarios, warm fronts can contribute to tornado formation when they interact with cold fronts or low-pressure systems. The clash of different air masses can create unstable atmospheric conditions, leading to storms or even tornado outbreaks.

After a warm front passes, temperatures and humidity levels rise, making conditions feel noticeably warmer and often more humid. This can create favorable conditions for severe storms, especially in spring and summer when warm, moist air fuels thunderstorms.