What are the stages of a thunderstorm?

The stages of a thunderstorm are accurately described as cumulus, mature, and dissipating.

During the cumulus stage, warm, moist air rises and condenses to form cumulonimbus clouds. As the storm develops, it enters the mature stage, characterized by intense updrafts and downdrafts, heavy precipitation, lightning, and thunder. This stage is when the storm reaches its peak intensity and can produce severe weather conditions. Finally, in the dissipating stage, the storm begins to weaken as the updrafts diminish, leading to a decrease in precipitation and ultimately the dissipation of the clouds.

This progression is critical for understanding how thunderstorms develop and behave, making option A the correct portrayal of the stages involved in a thunderstorm's lifecycle. Other options may mix terms or steps that are not scientifically recognized or lack the comprehensive detail that defines the actual stages of a thunderstorm.