Thunderstorm Lifecycle

The three stages of a thunderstorm as described in the FAA PHAK. The cumulus stage is dominated by updrafts that build the cloud vertically, with no significant precipitation at the surface. The mature stage is the most dangerous, characterized by both updrafts and downdrafts existing side by side, heavy rain, hail, lightning, strong surface winds, microbursts, and the greatest turbulence. The dissipating stage begins when downdrafts dominate and spread throughout the cell, cutting off the updraft supply of warm moist air; precipitation diminishes but hazards can persist, especially wind shear.