FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Exam

What typically marks the mature stage of a thunderstorm?

1. Strong updrafts

2. Heavy precipitation

3. Downdrafts reduce turbulence

4. Low visibility and calm winds

The correct answer is: Heavy precipitation

The mature stage of a thunderstorm is characterized by heavy precipitation. During this phase, the storm has developed to a point where the updrafts and downdrafts work together effectively, allowing moisture to condense and fall as rain. As the storm reaches its mature stage, the strong updrafts that initially formed can no longer support the weight of the moisture-laden air, leading to the release of precipitation. This heavy rain is often accompanied by other weather phenomena such as strong winds, lightning, and sometimes hail, all of which contribute to the storm's intensity and potential for severe weather. While strong updrafts are significant in the earlier stages of thunderstorm development, they tend to give way to downdrafts in the mature stage. Downdrafts can indeed cause turbulence, but they don't necessarily reflect the peak activity of the storm. Similarly, low visibility and calm winds are not features of a mature thunderstorm, as the storm's intensity typically leads to turbulent and unstable conditions.