What atmospheric phenomenon generally occurs after the advance of a cold front?

The phenomenon that typically occurs after the advance of a cold front is characterized by an increase in atmospheric pressure. As a cold front pushes into an area, it forces warm, moist air to rise rapidly. This rising air cools and often leads to the development of clouds and precipitation. Once the front has passed, the cooler, denser air settles, resulting in a stabilization of the atmosphere which is indicated by rising atmospheric pressure.

After a cold front has moved through, the weather commonly improves with clearer skies and drier conditions. This transition contributes to the increased pressure, as the air becomes more stable and the lifting associated with the front dissipates. The combination of cooler air and better weather conditions after the front passes reinforces this phenomenon, making rising pressures a reliable characteristic immediately following a cold front.

Analyzing the other choices helps to clarify why they are less relevant: dropping temperatures typically occur during the passage of the front itself, increased humidity usually precedes the front as warm air is lifted, and calm winds are not a defining feature immediately after a frontal passage; instead, winds may shift direction and become more pronounced as the colder air replaces the warm air.