Stages of development

Generally a thunderstorm has three to five cells , each of which goes through a life cycle. In the life cycle of a cell there are three distinct stage determined by magnitude and direction of ascending or descending air currents.

A. Cumulus or developing stage

In this stage there is an undrafted throughout the cell. The cloud contains precipitation particles as a cloud grows larger in size, the updraft becomes stronger and more widespread. The updraft gains bear about 160 km/hr. so that they can hold the large hailstone alone. In the upper part of cloud, large quantities of liquid water and ice crystals co-exist, which imitated the downdraft

B. Mature stage

The updraft and down drafts take simultaneously along with heavy precipitation maximum lightening and thunder is observed in this stage. The severity of thunder storm is at its weak. Weather at the surface is characterized by heavy rainfall and high velocities wind. The flying areophane’s experience the most of severe turning

C. Dissipating stage

This stage is characterized by weak downdraft and light rain. The updraft portion is disappeared and downdraft air spread out on the ground. The outflowing surface wind is often gusty and sometimes produces coo weather on hot summer days.

Image Source: Wikipedia