What is the first stage of the thunderstorm life cycle?

The first stage of the thunderstorm life cycle is the cumulus stage. During this stage, moist air begins to rise and cool, leading to the formation of cumulus clouds. As the process continues, the rising moisture condenses and releases heat, which helps to fuel further updrafts. As more warm air rises, the clouds grow in size and begin to develop vertically. This stage is crucial as it sets the foundation for the development of the thunderstorm, leading to stronger updrafts and the possibility of transitioning into the next stages, where significant weather phenomena can occur.

Other stages mentioned, such as the dissipation stage and mature stage, come later in the thunderstorm life cycle, following the cumulus stage. Understanding these stages helps in comprehending how thunderstorms develop and intensify, which is essential knowledge for piloting unmanned aircraft safely in various weather conditions.