Transport Canada Private Pilot License Practice Exam

After a cold front passes in the Northern Hemisphere, atmospheric pressure typically begins to rise. This increase in pressure occurs because the cold air associated with the front is denser than the warm air it replaces, leading to a stabilization of the atmosphere once the front has moved through. This process is often accompanied by a change in wind direction. When a cold front passes, the winds will typically veer, or shift clockwise, which in the Northern Hemisphere results in the winds shifting from the west to the northwest.

Understanding the behavior of atmospheric pressure and wind direction after the passage of a cold front is crucial for pilots, as it can affect flight planning and in-flight conditions. The rise in pressure is often associated with clearing skies and improving weather conditions following the front, which can be beneficial for flight operations.