However, February brings a unique majesty: In the afternoons, the sky turns a bruised purple. Massive cumulonimbus clouds tower over the cities. The crack of thunder provides a release valve for the tension of the heat. These storms can dump inches of rain in an hour, filling gutters and cooling the pavement. They are dramatic, violent, and deeply necessary.

Because Australia is a vast continent, "summer" looks very different depending on where you are located. 1. The Temperate South (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth)

In southern cities, summer is characterized by hot, sunny days and long daylight hours. Average temperatures usually range between , though heatwaves can occasionally push temperatures above 40°C (104°F) .