Cold Fronts
The worst weather hazard in my opinion is a cold front. Cold fronts occur when a mass of cold, dense, and stable air advances and replaces a body of warmer air (PHAK). Cold fronts also tend to move faster than warm fronts. Cold fronts also tend to stay closer to the ground sliding under the warmer air and pushing the less dense air up (PHAK). When the is lifted temperatures decrease drastically and creates clouds. The formation of towering cumulus or cumulonimbus clouds will dominate the sky and in the northern hemisphere that can be a large section of land. Depending on the intensity of the cold front a pilot con expects any one or more of the following: heavy rain showers that may be accompanied by lightning, thunder, and/ or hail (PHAK). Severe cold fronts can produce tornadoes. With the lack of visibility and with wind variables and temperature drops pilots must make quick decisions.
Similar to warm fronts not all cold fronts are the same. A flight into an approaching cold front is not meant for the inexperienced. Pilots should have a better understanding of the conditions they can encounter in flight. If the flight is going to be hazardous due to the cold front the safest option is for the pilot to keep the airplane grounded. Once the cold front passes they will be able to continue with the flight. Trying to fly below a line of thunderstorms or a squall line is hazardous, and flight over the top of or around the storm is not an option (PHAK).
While warm fronts and cold fronts both pose a significant weather hazard, cold fronts have violent weather activity. It is important to consider all the variables before any take-off. Some weather conditions are just not worth the hassle in terms of safety risk. If pilots find themselves in a cold front the best option may be to go further above the cold front or attempt to get below the cold front and land to avoid any hazards. Cold fronts are tricky situations.
Reference
Pilot’s handbook of aeronautical knowledge (2016th ed.). (2016). Aviation Supplies & Academics.
