What are the three stages of a thunderstorm?

The stages of a thunderstorm are best understood through the terminology used in meteorology, and the correct answer highlights that each stage plays a significant role in the development and lifecycle of a thunderstorm. Thunderstorms progress through three distinct phases: the cumulus stage, where warm, moist air rises and forms clouds; the mature stage, characterized by the storm's peak intensity with heavy rain, thunder, lightning, and sometimes hail; and the dissipating stage, where the storm weakens and rain becomes less intense.

Recognizing these stages is crucial for pilots and meteorologists because it helps predict the behavior of the storm and assess associated risks, such as turbulence and severe weather conditions. The cumulus stage is essential for condensation, the mature stage indicates the storm's strongest activity, and the dissipating stage is a sign of improving weather conditions.

Other answer choices either describe the overall lifecycle of a thunderstorm more generally or use terms that do not specifically correspond to the recognized phases of storm development. Understanding the correct stages assists in preparations for flight operations and safety measures during thunderstorm encounters.