What are the three stages of a thunderstorm cell in the correct sequence?
Why →
A thunderstorm progresses through: Cumulus Stage (strong updrafts, vertical development), Mature Stage (both updrafts and downdrafts, precipitation reaches the surface. Most hazardous phase with lightning, hail, and wind shear), and Dissipating Stage (downdrafts dominate, updraft supply cut off, storm weakens).The trap →
"Formation/active/dissipating" uses non-standard terminology. The FAA uses specific terms: Cumulus, Mature, Dissipating. The mature stage, not the "peak". Is when the storm is most dangerous.SOURCE → PHAK Chapter 12, Weather TheoryCHECKED APR 21ACS III.B.K1MED