What typically happens to visibility as a cold front approaches?

As a cold front approaches, there is often an increase in atmospheric turbulence and the movement of air masses. This leads to the development of clouds and precipitation ahead of the front. As the colder, denser air forces the warm air to rise, it can result in the formation of thunderstorms and heavy rain. These conditions contribute to the overall reduction of visibility, often dropping dramatically in the moments just before the cold front passes.

This phenomenon is primarily attributed to the presence of rain, low clouds, and even potential fog or haze that can form in the lifting of the warm moist air. As the cold front moves through, the temperature drop can exacerbate this visibility issue, particularly in the presence of precipitation. Thus, if one observes a cold front approaching, a notable decrease in visibility is a common expectation due to these weather changes.