Which phenomena does a stationary front usually bring?

• A. Severe thunderstorms and high winds
• B. Extended periods of precipitation and overcast skies
• C. Rapid temperature drops and clear skies
• D. Heavy snowfall and ice storms

Answer: (B)

A stationary front typically brings extended periods of precipitation and overcast skies. This occurs because the air masses on either side of a stationary front are not moving, leading to prolonged lifting of the moist air. As this air rises, it cools, resulting in cloud formation and precipitation. Since the front doesn't move, the weather can remain unsettled, with continuous rain or light precipitation persisting over the same area for hours or even days, creating an overcast sky.

In contrast, other options describe weather phenomena that relate to different types of fronts or situations. For instance, severe thunderstorms and high winds are more associated with cold fronts. Rapid temperature drops and clear skies are generally seen with the passage of a cold front as well, where the change in air masses can lead to a sharp drop in temperature followed by clear conditions. Heavy snowfall and ice storms are typically associated with strong low-pressure systems or specific winter weather fronts, not stationary fronts. Hence, understanding the behavior of stationary fronts helps to clarify why extended precipitation and overcast skies are the primary phenomena associated with them.