What aspect of thunderstorm development is characterized by a mature stage?

The mature stage of a thunderstorm is defined by its greatest intensity and size. During this phase, the storm has well-developed updrafts and downdrafts, leading to significant atmospheric instability and the potential for severe weather phenomena such as heavy rain, large hail, and strong winds.

In the mature stage, the storm structure is fully established, allowing for the most vigorous convective activity. This is when the storm reaches its peak strength, with organized rotation and a pronounced anvil cloud formation at the top of the storm. The presence of strong, persistent updrafts combined with the downdrafts creates a dynamic system that can sustain itself for a longer period, resulting in heavy precipitation and other severe weather conditions.

While the formation of an updraft is crucial in the early stages of thunderstorms, the right development of both updrafts and downdrafts in the mature stage is what leads to the storm's peak intensity. Initial precipitation occurs earlier in the storm's lifecycle, while weakening typically follows the mature stage, indicating a decline in the storm's strength and organization. Thus, the mature stage is primarily marked by its highest intensity and the largest size of the thunderstorm.