What feature is associated with the cumulus stage of a thunderstorm?

The cumulus stage of a thunderstorm is primarily characterized by continuous updrafts. During this initial stage, warm, moist air rises and cools as it ascends. As it rises, the moisture condenses into clouds, forming the characteristic cumulus cloud structure. This process of rising air is crucial because it sustains the growth of the cloud. The presence of continuous updrafts allows the cumulus cloud to develop vertically and eventually transition into the mature stage of a thunderstorm, where further weather phenomena occur.

The other features listed do not accurately describe the cumulus stage. While descending air currents and downdrafts are more prominent in later stages of a thunderstorm (like the mature stage), they are not significant characteristics of the cumulus stage. Additionally, weak turbulence tends to occur when the storm is less intense and does not reflect the typical development attributes associated with the rapid growth and vertical motion of the cumulus clouds.