At what altitude is a thunderstorm considered to be in its mature stage?

A thunderstorm reaches its mature stage when the cloud tops typically extend to altitudes of around 5 to 10 miles above sea level. At this altitude, the storm is characterized by the presence of a well-defined anvil-shaped top and extensive vertical development. This stage is when a thunderstorm produces the most intense weather phenomena, such as heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and lightning.

The mature phase indicates that the storm has developed its full energy potential, drawing in warm, moist air from the surface while cold air is sinking. This creates a cycle of rising air that can lead to severe weather conditions. Understanding the altitude of a thunderstorm's mature stage is crucial for meteorologists and weather enthusiasts, as it provides insights into potential storm severity and associated risks.