A cold air mass has a much smaller moisture capacity, so there isn’t the same extensive rain as in a warm air mass. … This is why a lot of heavy rain is produced along a cold front but once the cold air mass has come in this often abruptly changes to a clear spell of weather.

Does rain come before or after a cold front?

The air mass behind a cold front is likely to be cooler and drier than the one before the front. If a cold front is approaching, precipitation is possible just before and while the front passes. Behind the front, expect clearing skies, cooler temperatures, and lower relative humdities.

What weather comes with a cold front?

As the cold front passes, winds become gusty. There is a sudden drop in temperature, and also heavy rain, sometimes with hail, thunder, and lightning. Atmospheric pressure changes from falling to rising at the front.