During which stage of a thunderstorm do updraft speeds exceed the climbing ability of most aircraft?

The mature stage of a thunderstorm is when severe weather, including intense updrafts, can occur. During this stage, the storm is fully developed, and updraft speeds can often exceed the climbing ability of most aircraft. The updrafts can reach significant speeds, often ranging from 30 to 60 knots or more, which can pose a serious challenge to aircraft trying to maintain altitude or climb. This information is crucial for pilots and air traffic controllers to ensure safety while navigating around thunderstorms.

In contrast, the towering cumulus stage involves developing clouds and some updrafts, but they have not yet reached their full intensity, so the risks are lower than in the mature stage. The dissipating stage sees a reduction in updrafts and overall storm activity, leading to decreasing hazards. Meanwhile, the hail stage relates to the presence of hail production, but it typically occurs during the mature stage when the updrafts are strongest. Understanding these stages helps in making informed decisions regarding flight safety and weather conditions.