WeatherQuestion 78 of 100
Which thunderstorm stage is the most hazardous, and what defines it?
a.The mature stage, with strong updrafts and downdrafts and heavy precipitation
b.The cumulus stage, with continuous downdrafts and a well-developed gust front
c.The dissipating stage, with the strongest hail, lightning, and wind shear
d.The cumulus stage, with heavy rain already reaching the surface
Explanation
A thunderstorm is most dangerous in the mature stage, which begins when precipitation reaches the ground and updrafts and downdrafts coexist inside the cell, producing severe turbulence, wind shear, hail, lightning, and a gust front that can race far ahead of the storm. The cumulus stage is dominated by updrafts only, with no rain yet at the surface, and the dissipating stage is dominated by weakening downdrafts. Remote pilots should stay at least 20 NM away from any thunderstorm.
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