New Zealand CPL Meteorology (MET) Practice Exam

A warm front is characterized by a gentle slope, typically around 1:200, meaning that for every 200 units of horizontal distance, the elevation increases by only 1 unit. This gradual incline results because warm, less dense air rises gently over colder, denser air. The lifting of warm air over a colder air mass allows for widespread cloud formation and can lead to prolonged periods of precipitation as the air gradually cools and condenses.

This type of front often features layered cloud formations, such as stratus clouds, and can produce steady, light to moderate rain over an extended period. Understanding the slope of warm fronts is essential for weather prediction, as it influences the types of weather systems associated with them, including the length of time precipitation may occur.

In contrast, other front types tend to have steeper slopes, which can lead to more turbulent weather conditions and different precipitation patterns.