Which meteorological phenomenon can cause a significant temperature drop in a short time?

A cold front passage is known for causing a significant temperature drop in a short period. When a cold front moves through an area, it brings with it colder air that displaces the warmer air ahead of it. This contrast in air masses can lead to rapid changes in temperature as the much cooler air moves in. The process can be accompanied by various weather conditions, including increased winds, precipitation, and sometimes even severe thunderstorms.

In contrast, a warm front generally leads to a gradual increase in temperature as warm air moves in over cooler air, so the changes are not as abrupt. High-pressure systems are associated with stable, settled weather, and while they can lead to temperature changes, these typically occur over a more extended period rather than instantly. Tornado formation, while dramatic and associated with severe weather, is more about localized, violent storms than a systematic temperature drop. Thus, cold front passages are particularly notable for their ability to produce sudden and significant drops in temperature.