Frontal wedging refers to the process that occurs when two air masses with different temperatures and densities meet, particularly when a cold air mass pushes under a warm air mass. This process is commonly associated with cold fronts.
When a cold front advances, it forces the warmer, less dense air to rise above it. This lifting can lead to the formation of clouds and precipitation. As the warm air is displaced upwards, it cools and condenses, which can create various types of weather, including thunderstorms or light rain.
In summary, frontal wedging is a key mechanism in meteorology that helps create dynamic weather patterns as different air masses interact.