What is the first stage of a thunderstorm?

The first stage of a thunderstorm is the cumulus stage. During this initial phase, warm, moist air begins to rise in an unstable atmosphere. As the air rises, it cools and condenses to form cumulus clouds. These clouds are characterized by their fluffy, white appearance and are the building blocks of a developing thunderstorm. Updrafts of warm air are dominant in this stage, and the process of condensation releases latent heat, which further fuels the development of the storm.

While other stages of a thunderstorm, such as the mature and dissipating stages, involve more complex interactions, including the presence of both updrafts and downdrafts, the cumulus stage is where the preliminary formation begins. The stable option does not represent a stage of thunderstorm development, so it does not apply in this context. Understanding this stage is crucial for grasping how thunderstorms evolve and the potential for severe weather to develop as they progress.