What is an occluded front?

An occluded front occurs when a faster-moving cold front overtakes a slower-moving warm front. This process typically happens during the later stages of a mid-latitude cyclone's life cycle. As the cold front advances, it pushes underneath the warm air mass, causing the warm air to be lifted and creating an occlusion. This can lead to various weather effects, including precipitation, storms, and cloud formation, particularly in the area where the warm air is forced aloft.

Understanding occluded fronts is vital because they signify a transition in weather patterns and often indicate changes in temperature and pressure that can affect local weather conditions significantly.