What weather change is most likely to follow a cold front?

The correct answer indicates that severe thunderstorms and heavy rain are commonly associated with the passage of a cold front. When a cold front moves into an area, it forces warm, moist air to rise rapidly. This rapid ascent leads to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, which are capable of producing severe weather phenomena, including intense thunderstorms. These storms can bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and even hail as the cold air pushes warm air upwards. This dynamic weather change is primarily due to the contrasting temperatures and densities of the air masses involved.

The other options do not accurately reflect the typical weather scenarios that follow a cold front. While lighter winds and stable temperatures, increased cloud cover with mild temperatures, or a gradual warming trend may occur under different meteorological circumstances, they do not represent the dynamic and often violent atmospheric changes that are characteristic of a cold front's passage.