Can Updrafts Cause Thunderstorms?

Every thunderstorm has an updraft - that's what creates the thunderstorm. Every thunderstorm also has a downdraft - that is where precipitation - rain and hail - falls from the storm.

Why do updrafts cause thunderstorms?

This lift usually comes from differences in air density. Warmer, less dense air rises upward, creating lift. As the air lifts higher and higher, it causes a storm cloud to grow taller and taller. ... Updrafts continue to fuel the storm with warm, moist air.

How do updrafts affect a storm?

Updrafts characterize a storm's early development, during which warm air rises to the level where condensation begins and precipitation starts to develop. In a mature storm, updrafts are present alongside downdrafts caused by cooling and by falling precipitation.