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Aviation glossary

Stationary Front

What is stationary front?

FAA handbook figure illustrating stationary front

A stationary front is the boundary between two air masses when neither is strong enough to push the other, so the front shows little or no movement (defined as moving at less than 5 knots). Even though the surface position holds still, air can be lifted along the boundary, and the front may influence local weather for days. Think of it as a stalemate between two air masses—the dividing line just sits there, dragging out the weather.

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