What is the typical height of the mature cell of a storm?

The typical height of a mature thunderstorm cell, often referred to as a cumulonimbus cloud, can reach about 45,000 feet. This is an important characteristic of severe storms, as the height of the cloud indicates strong updrafts that promote intense weather phenomena, including heavy rain, hail, and severe winds.

In a mature storm, the development of the cloud reaches its peak when the warm, moist air rises rapidly, cooling as it ascends. This vertical growth is what allows the storm to develop features like an anvil-shaped top, which can extend well into the upper troposphere—where the mature cell can reach significant altitudes like 45,000 feet.

Understanding these heights is crucial for meteorologists and those in fields like aviation and meteorology since it helps them predict storm behavior and intensity, as well as associated hazards. Recognizing that a storm can reach beyond this height, especially in extreme cases where powerful supercells develop, also allows for a better understanding of the dynamics at play in severe weather events.