Which atmospheric phenomenon is characterized by a rapid drop in temperature?

A cold front is characterized by a rapid drop in temperature as it moves into an area. This phenomenon occurs when a mass of colder, denser air displaces warmer air, forcing the warm air to rise quickly. As the warm air ascends, it cools, leading to a significant decrease in temperature over a short distance.

Cold fronts are often associated with a range of weather conditions, including thunderstorms and precipitation, as the rising warm air cools and condenses to form clouds. The abrupt change in temperature is a key feature that distinguishes cold fronts from other types of weather fronts, such as warm fronts and stationary fronts, which do not typically result in such a steep temperature gradient. In the case of stable air masses or heat waves, temperature changes occur more gradually and are influenced by different meteorological conditions.