What are the three stages of a thunderstorm?

The correct identification of the three stages of a thunderstorm is rooted in the typical development of convective systems, which are essential to understanding weather patterns. The stages involved are cumulus, mature, and dissipating.

During the cumulus stage, the initial development of the thunderstorm occurs when warm, moist air rises and cools, leading to the formation of cumulus clouds. This is characterized by significant vertical growth as the cloud matures with updrafts transporting moisture upward.

As the storm reaches the mature stage, it exhibits intense activity with both updrafts and downdrafts. This stage is marked by heavy precipitation, strong winds, and the potential for severe weather phenomena such as hail and lightning. The mature stage is critical because it showcases the storm at its most powerful and organized state.

The final dissipating stage occurs when the storm begins to weaken. The downdrafts dominate as the supply of warm, moist air is cut off, leading to a reduction in convective activity. This stage is characterized by a decrease in precipitation and cloud activity, ultimately resulting in the storm's dissipation.

Understanding these stages is vital for weather forecasting and safety, as each phase presents different risks and characteristics associated with thunderstorms. The terminology used in the other