Figure 3-19. Summary of Frontal Movement and Wind Shift

AVIATION WEATHER

CHAPTER THREE

The reason for showing an inactive front on the weather chart is to indicate the boundary of the

opposing air masses. Additionally, it displays the location of potentially unfavorable flying

weather. The warm air mass may gradually become more moist and lead to the formation of

clouds and precipitation in the frontal zone. In many cases the inactive front only has a shift in

the wind direction and a change in the temperature and pressure. Figure 3-19 is a summary of

frontal movements and wind shifts.

Front

Direction of Movement

Speed

Wind Shift

Cold

SW NW

Warm

SE SW

Stationary *

180

Cold Front Occlusion

SE NW

Warm Front Occlusion

SE - NW

* Stationary Fronts Same general flight conditions as warm front (less intense).

Figure 3-19 Summary of Frontal Movement and Wind Shift

Mechanics of Frontal Systems 3-19