Weather condition(s) when a cold front or warm front is approaching an area - typically when the front is 1/2 to 1 full day away. The primary application of the term is when cold fronts are approaching, as these are more dynamic and the changes more abrupt than with warm fronts. The most prominent characteristics of pre-frontal conditions are increased wind speeds and temperature changes, with steady and/or sudden changes in prevailing wind direction. Can be great conditions for soaring aircraft, but one needs to keep a close eye on the changes and land or leave the area before things get out of hand.