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Which stage of a thunderstorm is the most hazardous, marked by both updrafts and downdrafts?

Choices

Cumulus stage
The cumulus stage is dominated by updrafts as the storm builds.
✓ Mature stagecorrect
The mature stage has coexisting updrafts and downdrafts with heavy rain, lightning, and possible hail.
Dissipating stage
The dissipating stage is dominated by weakening downdrafts.
Occluded stage
There is no thunderstorm "occluded stage"; occlusion refers to fronts.

Why

The mature stage is the most dangerous, with strong updrafts and downdrafts side by side, heavy precipitation, lightning, severe turbulence, and possible hail.

FAA source: Aviation Weather Handbook FAA-H-8083-28 / PHAK Ch. 12browse the reference library →

This is taught in Weather Hazards: Thunderstorms and Icing — study the lessons free, then practice with grading and mastery tracking.

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Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question. Reviewed by a panel of three CFIs + AI review.