Weather theoryQuestion 348 of 934

Which stage of a thunderstorm is the most violent?

  1. The cumulus stage
  2. The dissipating stage
  3. The stage before any rain falls
  4. The mature stage
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Correct answer: The mature stage

In the mature stage, rain or ice begins falling and creates a downward motion of air.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 12: Weather Theory — Thunderstorms, page 306

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026