Wunthurru - early storm period January and February

Description

Temperatures regularly top 40 degrees C with accompanying high humidity. Nighttime temperature rarely falls below 25 degrees C with humidity persisting. Throughout Wunthurru there may be intense rainless electrical storms with lightning strikes during such storms often starting bushfires. Along the coast, rolling clouds (Morning Glories) often appear. These clouds indicate that flying foxes and certain bird species are about to start their seasonal migration.

The monsoon, a seasonal wind, has a heavy hold on the weather during January and February. It brings cloud and heavy showers. The daytime temperatures are high with a sticky humidity. Overnight temperatures fall to the mid 20 degrees C. The first storms of the wet season provide relief from the hot humid conditions.

Harvested plants and animals

Cormorant and egret chicks are still available with land snails prevalent after the first rains. Ma-bikiki (green plum), ma-manja (wild passion fruit), a-kalwakalwa (white plum) and ma-wijku (yams) are harvested during this season. Yams are collected in such a way as to allow for regrowth.