The Formation and Stages of a Thunderstorm
The Cumulus Stage
The cumulus stage is the initial stage of a thunderstorm where warm air near the ground rises due to convection. As the warm air rises, it cools and condenses, forming cumulus clouds. These clouds are fluffy and have a puffy appearance.
The Mature Stage
In the mature stage, the thunderstorm reaches its peak intensity. Strong updrafts and downdrafts occur, causing heavy rain, thunder, lightning, and sometimes hail. This stage is characterized by a well-defined anvil-shaped cloud known as a cumulonimbus cloud.
The Dissipating Stage
During the dissipating stage, the thunderstorm weakens as the updrafts weaken. This leads to the dissipation of the storm, with the thunderstorm no longer producing strong rainfall or thunder and lightning. The dissipating stage marks the end of the thunderstorm's life cycle.