There is a very special moment that can happen at the end of a stinking hot summer’s day. I live in a city that suffers hot summers, and during the peak months of that season, the temperature soars over 40 degrees Celsius with a relentless regularity. On days when the sea breeze doesn’t arrive to cool the city down, the maximum can occur between 4 and 5pm.
By that time the clouds would have had over five hours to build up and start to rumble their song around the skies. The cottonwool style cumulus is boiling up to the north and gradually blocking the sunlight. After a long day at work it is time to sit on the veranda and watch the evening’s entertainment. All of the storms are bound to be drifting east and there is only a very slim chance of any rain coming to cool down the air. It would only increase the humidity and make the evening more uncomfortable.
The hot air is pleasant on the skin and the warm easterly breeze reminds the city that summer packs a punch even at night. By 7pm the temperature is still over 30 degrees Celsius and there is a cold bottle in your hand and a sheen of sweat on your face. Rubbing the bottle over your brow brings instant relief, but nothing a good as the first sip of the ice-cold liquid slides down your throat. Ahhh!
For a short time, sitting feet up, there is hope that this time the rain will come, but it is not to be; they drift off to the east content to tantalise and torture with hope, leaving you to enjoy the beer and watch the lightning illuminate the sky and the enormous clouds. As the thunder fades it is time to retreat into the air-conditioned comfort of your home and settle in for the evening. But tomorrow may provide the chance to do it again; the chance to watch the grandeur of nature put on a free firework show. Then you can crack open another beer and relax once again while enjoying a refreshing drink.
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