Stages Of A Thunderstorm - L3 Stormscope II Series User Manual

Chapter 2 - Storm Mapping Principles Anatomy of a Thunderstorm

STAGES OF A THUNDERSTORM

All thunderstorms begin as cumulus clouds, build to an intense
mature stage, and finally dissipate. Each of these stages in the life
of a thunderstorm present a different set of dangers to aircraft. The
WX-500 maps all stages in the life of a thunderstorm so that you
won't be caught unaware by a thunderstorm that can build, mature,
and dissipate in as little as 20 minutes.
CUMULUS STAGE
The cumulus or beginning stage of a thunderstorm is usually
precipitation free. In this stage, the risks to an aircraft and its
occupants include strong vertical winds, severe turbulence, icing,
and convective wind shear.
MATURE STAGE
In the mature and most intense stage of a thunderstorm, the water
droplets within the cloud collide and combine to form rain and hail
and, at cooler temperatures, sleet and snow. This stage poses
many hazards to aircraft including heavy precipitation, high winds,
convective wind shear, severe turbulence, down bursts, hail, icing,
tornadoes, and lightning.
DISSIPATING STAGE
In the dissipating stage, the updraft weakens and at the same time,
the convective wind shear and other hazardous conditions begin to
subside. There may be high rainfall rates in this stage, but the severe
dangers are diminishing.
Stormscope WX-500 User's Guide 2-3
®