In what stage of a thunderstorm does precipitation typically occur?

The correct choice is the mature stage, which is characterized by the most intense activity within a thunderstorm. During this stage, the storm reaches its peak strength, resulting in heavy rainfall, hail, and sometimes strong winds. This is when the storm is fully developed, and the processes within the storm produce significant precipitation.

In the developing stage, while a storm is starting to form, it may not be producing any rainfall yet. The developing stage is primarily focused on the formation of storm clouds and building moisture but lacks the organized updrafts and downdrafts necessary for significant precipitation.

The dissipating stage follows the mature stage and is marked by a weakening of the storm structure. As the storm loses its organization, precipitation decreases and may eventually stop.

Therefore, precipitation is most prominently associated with the mature stage of a thunderstorm when all the components come together to create heavy rainfall and other severe weather phenomena.