Quick Facts
- Type
- Weather System
- Definition
- A complex frontal boundary where a cold front overtakes a warm front, combini...
- Used By
- Pilots, Dispatchers
Definition#
An occluded front forms when a faster-moving cold front overtakes a warm front, lifting the warm air entirely off the surface. The resulting boundary combines characteristics of both cold and warm fronts.
Why It Matters Operationally#
Occluded fronts produce complex, widespread weather including mixed precipitation types, turbulence, low ceilings, and icing. Their weather patterns are harder to predict than those of simple cold or warm fronts.