How do thunderstorms generally form?

Thunderstorms typically develop through a combination of moisture, instability, and lifting.

Moisture is essential because it contributes to the formation of clouds and precipitation. When warm, moist air rises, it cools and condenses, forming cumulonimbus clouds, which are characteristic of thunderstorms.

Instability refers to the vertical movement of air; if the air aloft is cooler than the warm air at the surface, it can create a situation where the warm air continues to rise, leading to the development of strong updrafts, which are a key component of thunderstorms.

Lifting mechanisms, such as fronts, sea breezes, and orographic lifting (where air is forced to rise over mountains), provide the necessary lift for the warm, moist air to ascend quickly, enhancing the potential for storm development.

The other choices do not adequately explain the process of thunderstorm formation. The absence of moisture and stability would not support the conditions necessary for thunderstorm development. Changes in temperature alone do not sufficiently address the role of moisture and the need for air to rise. High pressure systems generally suppress the development of thunderstorms due to their associated descending air and lack of lifting mechanisms.