During what stage is a thunderstorm considered most dangerous?

The mature stage of a thunderstorm is considered the most dangerous because it is during this phase that the storm reaches its peak intensity. During the mature stage, the upward flow of warm, moist air continues to feed the storm, leading to the development of heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and potentially severe weather phenomena such as tornadoes. This stage features well-defined cloud structures and can produce significant lightning activity, which poses risks to life and property.

The mature stage contains the most powerful updrafts and downdrafts, creating conditions conducive to severe weather. The extreme conditions generated can lead to flash flooding, downed power lines, and severe turbulence, making this phase the most hazardous for both individuals and infrastructure. These characteristics underscore why thunderstorms are most dangerous when they reach maturity, highlighting the critical conditions that can arise from a fully developed storm system.