What is the primary characteristic of the dissipation phase of a thunderstorm?

The primary characteristic of the dissipation phase of a thunderstorm is the dominance of downdrafts. During this phase, the storm starts to weaken as the updrafts diminish significantly. The cooling air from the downdrafts begins to spread out, leading to a decrease in the storm's overall strength and intensity. As the storm dissipates, the updrafts that once fueled the storm are no longer present, allowing the downdrafts to prevail.

This shift is crucial because it signifies the transition from a fully developed thunderstorm to one that is losing its organized structure. While heavy precipitation may still occur during this phase, it will not be as intense or sustained as during the mature phase when updrafts and downdrafts are balanced. The absence or very reduced presence of strong updrafts highlights the storm's loss of energy and capability to sustain itself. Understanding this phase is critical for pilots and weather observers, as recognizing the dissipation phase helps in forecasting changing weather conditions and potential hazards.