Storms in Central Australia

This week the fires receded and a dust storm filled the void. It forced the grounding of bushfire aircraft at Ambalindum and Ross River. And then, after the dust storm moved on, there was a short space of calm – before the rain hit.

The Bureau of Meteorology weather radar showed mottled clots of blue and yellow circulating in the desert headed straight for Alice. And sure enough, driving rain belted the town, accompanied by strong wind gusts and spectacular lightning which linked the sky and ground as jagged bolts flickered in the atmosphere. A severe weather warning was issued and immediately the temperature dropped.

Lightning in the night sky (Photo credit: Jordan Cox)

This was a stark contrast to the smoky, stuffy days that cloyed Alice in recent times when fires stalked the edge of town. The weather pendulum swung and from flames we went to raindrops and the stinging tang of wet earth. More storms are forecast for the coming days. Many people sigh with relief. Any break from the heat is welcome.

Alice is beautiful in the aftermath of rain. The tension of the build-up to the storm leaks away as the downpour occurs. Yellow slashes of lightning illuminate the heavens, their own patchwork across the sky. Thunder rumbles. Alice is a land of beauty – but that beauty can be extreme. However, there is no other place I’d rather be.