What effect does a cold front typically have on wind direction?

A cold front typically produces rapid changes in wind direction as it moves through an area. When a cold front approaches, it brings with it colder, denser air masses that displace the warmer air ahead of it. This process can lead to a significant shift in wind direction, often seen before, during, and after the frontal passage.

As the cold front passes, winds usually shift from a prevailing direction—often from the south or southwest, where the warm air resides—to a northerly or northwesterly direction, corresponding to the colder air mass following the front. This can result in sudden changes in weather conditions, including temperature drops and increased precipitation.

The correct answer reflects the dynamic nature of cold fronts and their ability to rapidly change atmospheric conditions, including wind patterns. It showcases the importance of understanding the behavior of different air masses and how they interact during frontal boundaries.