Which of the following describes the stages of a thunderstorm?

The stages of a thunderstorm are commonly defined as developing, mature, and dissipating. This sequence accurately reflects the lifecycle of a thunderstorm.

In the developing stage, also known as the cumulus stage, the storm begins to form as warm, moist air rises, leading to the creation of cumulus clouds. As this process continues and more moisture is added, it transitions into the mature stage. During the mature phase, the thunderstorm reaches its peak intensity, characterized by heavy rainfall, thunder, lightning, and possibly hail. This stage represents the most violent activity of the storm with strong updrafts and downdrafts.

Finally, the storm enters the dissipating stage, where the storm begins to weaken. This happens because the downdrafts dominate, cutting off the storm's supply of warm, moist air, leading to diminishing precipitation and overall storm activity.

This structured lifecycle is essential for understanding how thunderstorms form and develop, as well as predicting their behavior and potential impact on the environment.