Describe the characteristics of a warm front.

A warm front is characterized by the gradual transition of air masses, which typically results in a gradual increase in temperature as the warm air moves in and overlays the cooler air. This process leads to a range of weather phenomena associated with warm fronts.

As the warm, moist air rises over the cooler air, it cools and condenses, often producing extensive cloud cover, which is why overcast skies are a common feature. This cloud cover can lead to light to moderate precipitation over a longer duration, often beginning with high cirrus clouds, transitioning to stratus clouds, and eventually resulting in steady rain as the front approaches.

The emphasis on the gradual temperature increase is crucial because it reflects the nature of warm fronts, where the transition from cooler to warmer air is less abrupt compared to cold fronts. This temperature rise is typically accompanied by a steady increase in humidity as the warmer air holds more moisture than the cooler air behind the front.

The other choices mention conditions that do not accurately describe the characteristics of a warm front, focusing instead on phenomena associated with different weather patterns. For instance, rapid temperature drops and strong winds are more indicative of cold fronts, while sudden thunderstorms are also commonly linked to cold fronts rather than warm ones. High humidity and sunny conditions do not