What indicates the passage of a cold front in the Northern Hemisphere?

The passage of a cold front in the Northern Hemisphere is characterized by a shift in winds and atmospheric conditions. When a cold front moves through an area, it generally causes winds to become gusty and shifts direction, often moving clockwise due to the larger-scale atmospheric circulation patterns influenced by the Coriolis effect.

As the cold front approaches, the cold air mass replaces the warm air mass, resulting in marked weather changes. The gusty winds typically arise from the abrupt changes in pressure and temperature, leading to instability in the atmosphere. Furthermore, the clockwise shift in wind direction is a common occurrence due to the clockwise movement of high-pressure systems that often follow a cold front.

In contrast, increased humidity and fog, a rapid rise in temperature, and a decrease in cloud cover do not accurately depict the general weather patterns associated with the passage of a cold front. Instead, one would expect decreased humidity as the cold, stable air mass arrives, often followed by cooler temperatures and the possibility of clearing skies after a front has passed.