What characterizes the weather associated with the passage of a warm front?

The characteristics of a warm front's weather are indeed best summarized by sustained light rain or drizzle. As a warm front approaches, the warm, moist air lifts over the cooler air ahead of it, leading to widespread cloud formation. This process typically results in extensive cloud cover, often culminating in stratus or nimbostratus clouds, which produce prolonged periods of light to moderate rainfall or drizzle.

The nature of the precipitation is gentle and steady, contrasting markedly with the short, intense storms associated with other weather phenomena, like cold fronts. Additionally, while there may be some changes in wind and temperature as the warm front passes, it is not characterized by sudden gusts or rapid drops in temperature, as these are elements more commonly linked to cold fronts or other meteorological events.

The distinguishing feature of sustained light rain or drizzle highlights the gradual approach and replacement of air masses in the warm front scenario, providing a clear understanding of how warm fronts behave in the atmospheric context.