As the cloud continues to grow, precipitation particles form and fall from the cloud. The precipitation falls into the updraft. The falling particles drag air down with them. This sinking air is referred to as downdrafts. Entrainment into the downdraft results in some evaporation of the precipitation, which causes a cooling which makes the air more dense, thus increasing the downdraft.
Rain begins to reach the surface.
Hail may also make it to the surface, but they are not very large. The intensity of the rain decreases. Prior to the development of a thunderstorm, the air near the surface is often warm and moist. With the downdrafts come cool air and the temperature at the surface drops. After the storm passes, the temperature may begin to rise again.