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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-building-stage-updrafts

What air motion dominates a building thunderstorm?

Updrafts carry warm, moist air upward.

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  1. Downdrafts only
  2. Updrafts ✔
  3. No vertical motion

Why: During the building stage, rising currents feed the growing cloud. Rain has not yet created the strong downdrafts found later.

Huh, didn't know that: The building stage is also called the cumulus stage.

The dad joke
The young thunderstorm kept looking up to its role models.
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References

Answer: Updrafts. During the building stage, rising currents feed the growing cloud. Rain has not yet created the strong downdrafts found later.

  1. Aerospace Dimensions Module 3, Air Environment akwg.cap.gov/media/cms/Module_3__Air_Environment_D8702BF7F9162_21bba.pdf
    The building stage is dominated by updrafts as the storm builds and grows vertically.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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