FAA Ground School Practice Test

Which characteristic is NOT typical of a mature thunderstorm?

1. Strong updrafts

2. Heavy precipitation

3. Diminishing wind speeds

4. Frequent lightning

The correct answer is: Diminishing wind speeds

Mature thunderstorms are characterized by several distinct phenomena associated with their development and lifecycle. Among these, diminishing wind speeds are not typical. During the mature stage, thunderstorms exhibit strong updrafts that can lead to the formation of large hail and heavy precipitation. These updrafts are offset by downdrafts, resulting in turbulence and often increasing wind speeds in and around the storm. In addition, mature thunderstorms are often marked by frequent lightning due to the intense electrical activity generated within the storm. The precipitation typically reaches significant rates, contributing to the storm's ability to produce heavy rain, which can lead to localized flooding. In contrast, when examining wind behavior, mature thunderstorms are commonly associated with strong wind gusts at the surface associated with downdrafts and microbursts rather than diminishing wind speeds. Hence, the nature of the wind speeds is a key aspect that distinguishes a mature thunderstorm from other stages, making it clear why diminishing wind speeds do not characterize this stage of thunderstorm development.