What are the three stages of thunderstorm formation?

The three stages of thunderstorm formation are indeed identified as the cumulus, mature, and dissipating stages.

In the cumulus stage, warm, moist air rises, creating updrafts. This process leads to the formation of cumulus clouds as water vapor condenses into water droplets. The clouds continue to grow as more warm air is lifted into them.

As the storm develops into the mature stage, it reaches its peak intensity. This stage is characterized by the presence of both updrafts and downdrafts, which can lead to severe weather phenomena such as heavy rainfall, lightning, and potentially hail. The mature stage is critical for thunderstorms as it is when the storm is most dangerous and often results in severe weather.

Finally, in the dissipating stage, the storm loses its energy. The downdrafts begin to dominate, causing the storm to weaken as the supply of warm, moist air is cut off. This stage indicates the end of the thunderstorm's life cycle, as it becomes less organized and eventually dissipates.

Understanding these stages is essential for predicting and responding to thunderstorms effectively, aiding both pilots and those in the air traffic control community in ensuring safety during adverse weather conditions.