The first and main thing is to know the pattern and then to know the focal point. The focal point refers to the time period when two things are present. 1.Cut-off energy originating in the Southwest United States. 2. An extensive cold front (moving all the way down into FL) are present. The 'extensive surface cold front/ temperature gradient' typically arrives shortly AFTER or DURING the Cut-Off passing in the East...It is associated with the Polar Energy. . During Example: October 29 2011 H