Final answer:
Thunderstorms are most intense during the mature stage, which features both updrafts and downdrafts, causing significant weather phenomena like heavy rain and lightning. The correct answer is A
Step-by-step explanation:
Thunderstorms reach their greatest intensity during the mature stage. The mature stage of a thunderstorm is characterized by the presence of both an updraft and a downdraft, resulting in heavy rain, lightning, and potentially hail. It is during this phase that the storm releases the most energy and is considered to be at its peak strength. The correct answer is A