What is indicated by temperatures that change sharply at a front?

When temperatures change sharply at a front, it indicates the presence of a strong front. This sudden shift in temperature typically occurs because a front is a boundary between two distinct air masses that have different temperatures and humidity levels. When a strong front is present, the differences between these air masses are pronounced, leading to more dramatic changes in temperature.

In a strong cold front, for example, cooler and denser air rapidly slides under the warmer air, creating a significant temperature drop over a very short distance. This sharp temperature gradient is a key characteristic of vigorous frontal systems and often correlates with turbulent weather conditions, such as thunderstorms. This strong contrast in air masses can result in various weather phenomena like abrupt changes in wind direction and speed, as well as precipitation.

Understanding this relationship between temperature changes and front strength is crucial for meteorologists in predicting weather patterns and conditions.