Thunderstorms. Forty thousand plumes of energy and moisture that occur each day across our planet, on average. When they find the American High Plains and Rocky Mountains, they are anything but average. From explosive supercells to devastating monsoonal storms, they are notorious for the myriad and intensity of the hazards they bring. But these destructive phenomena can also be Mother Nature’s most awe-inspiring aesthetic, creating painted skies that are sculpted from the tools of the land and the Sun.
The thunderstorms disappear. Weeks pass without rain. The landscape waits patiently for water to return, but finds only wind. On desiccated ground, one spark ignites an infero that runs unstoppable through the dry grass. From the understory, it works its way into the canopy and wildland fire rules the day. With luck, winter will come early and douse the chaos. And come it does, bringing frigid nights and snow-filled days to the mountains. The wind continues after the storms pass, churning up magnificent ground blizzards and dust storms.
