• A thunderstorm is a type of weather phenomenon

characterized by lightning and thunder and in most cases, rain.

Although thunder is loud it is not dangerous. It's the lightning in a
thunderstorm that is dangerous as it can strike objects on earth
as well as people. A thunderstorm requires three basic elements
in order to form. These three elements are moisture, unstable
rising air, and a force to lift such as heat. A thunderstorm has
three stages which include the developing stage, the mature
stage, and the dissipating stage.
• The first stage of a thunderstorm, called the developing
stage, occurs when a cumulus cloud is pushed upward by air. In
the developing stage there is not usually much rain but lightning
can be seen. The second stage of a thunderstorm, called the
mature stage, occurs when the rising warm air reaches warmer
air and it spreads out into a 'cap'. This creates frozen water
droplets that fall to the earth, melting along the way. It is during
this stage that lightning and thunder and strong winds and rain
occur. The third stage of a thunderstorm, called the dissipating
stage, occurs when a cold air pushes to the ground essentially
cutting off the thunderstorm's inflow.