Which stage of a thunderstorm is characterized predominantly by downdrafts, signaling its weakening?

• A. Dissipating
• B. Cumulus
• C. Mature
• D. Formation

Answer: (A)

The stage described is the dissipating stage, where downdrafts dominate and the storm is fading. As a thunderstorm matures, updrafts lift warm, moist air, fueling growth. In the dissipating phase, cooling and precipitation loading cause air to sink, so downdrafts take over and cut off the updrafts that feed the storm. Without the rising warm air bringing new moisture and heat, the storm loses its energy source and gradually weakens, though rain can continue for a while. The other stages have different patterns: the initial formation and cumulus stages are driven mainly by updrafts with little to no precipitation, while the mature stage features both updrafts and downdrafts and is typically the storm’s strongest.