The mature stage of a thunderstorm begins with:

The mature stage of a thunderstorm is characterized by the start of significant precipitation. During this phase, the thunderstorm is fully developed, with rising warm moist air creating strong updrafts that reach high altitudes, leading to the formation of large cloud structures. As moisture condenses and forms precipitation, the release of latent heat further intensifies the updrafts.

When precipitation begins, it indicates that the storm has reached an organized state where it can sustain itself through the continuous cycles of rising air and the falling rain, which in turn contributes to further development. This stage is essential for the production of heavy rainfall, thunder, and lightning. In contrast, while features such as the development of anvil tops, continuous downdrafts, and gust fronts can play a role in the dynamics of a thunderstorm, they occur during different points in the overall thunderstorm lifecycle. The initiation of precipitation is the definitive marker signaling the transition into the mature stage, distinguishing it from earlier or later phases of storm development.