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Stage of greatest thunderstorm intensity

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 5 of 25 on Weather / Effects on Performance. ACS element UA.III.B.K1e · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONDuring which stage of a thunderstorm cell do all thunderstorm hazards reach their greatest intensity?

  1. AThe cumulus stage
  2. BThe dissipating stage
  3. CThe mature stage
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. The mature stage

  • A — incorrect The cumulus stage is dominated by an updraft; the downdraft and the full set of hazards have not yet developed.
  • B — incorrect The dissipating stage is characterized by downdrafts and a rapidly dying storm, not by peak intensity.
  • C — correct The study guide states that all thunderstorm hazards reach their greatest intensity during the mature stage, when updrafts and downdrafts coexist.

BACKGROUND

A thunderstorm cell progresses through three stages: cumulus, mature and dissipating. The cumulus stage is marked by an updraft. When precipitation begins to fall from the cloud base, a downdraft has developed and the cell has entered the mature stage. In the mature stage the downdraft may exceed 2,500 feet per minute, updrafts may exceed 6,000 feet per minute, and the two in close proximity create strong vertical shear and a very turbulent environment. All thunderstorm hazards reach their greatest intensity during the mature stage. The dissipating stage is characterized by downdrafts as the storm dies.

STUDY TIP

Tie "precipitation reaching the ground" to "mature stage" and "maximum hazard"; that is the moment to be farthest away.

KEY POINTS

  • Thunderstorm stages: cumulus, mature, dissipating.
  • Precipitation from the cloud base signals the mature stage.
  • All hazards peak during the mature stage.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch3b "Thunderstorm Life Cycle" / "The Mature Stage"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.