Three stages in the life-cycle of a thunderstorm:
- Cumulus/ Growing Stage – Strong updrafts, often suspending all water or ice
- Mature Stage – Heavy water and Ice overcome updrafts and fall at a great rate.
- Decaying Stage – Updraft cease, only downdrafts remaining at great speeds and usually great participation
Hazards associated with thunderstorms:
- Cumulus/ Growing Stage – Light Aircraft can be forced upwards by the updrafts.
- Mature Stage – Falling water, ice and air mix with updrafts causing severe turbulence. Squalls and Wind shear. Low visibility. Lightning
- Decaying Stage – Squalls, severe turbulence, Wind shear and loss of altitude due to downdrafts
