13/01/2026
Dramatic Lightning Storm at Sunset | 41°C Catastrophic Fire Danger | Victoria
This is what happens when a calm sunset turns electric.
I filmed this spectacular storm after sunset on Friday January 9th, from a safe distance in Ararat, Victoria. Earlier that day, conditions were beyond extreme. Temperatures reached 41 degrees, with a Catastrophic fire danger rating in place. At around 2 pm in Ararat, hot winds were blowing at 41 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 80 km/h.
As lightning rippled across the sky later that evening, the Streatham grassfire could be seen burning on the horizon, around 40 km away.
The fire started on 9 January and burned over 20,000 hectares, stretching all the way toward rural Skipton. As of Monday 12 January, the fire is now contained.
Thinking of everyone who is impacted by fires all over Victoria.
Thanks to friends in Australia and Overseas who have reached out. We are safe and well. We were packed and ready to evacuate during the Gariwerd / Grampians Bushfires last summer and there are fires burning around the state of Vic, more and more extreme weather.
Massive thanks to the CFA, SES, all first responders, and everyone who has been dealing with bushfires across Victoria. Your work protects lives, land, and communities.
⚠️ Important reminder
Please make sure you have a fire plan, look out for others, and stay safe.
👉 Discuss your emergency plan with family.
👉 Use the VicEmergency app.
👉 Dig out the battery radio 📻
👉 Check the batteries
👉 Tune into your local emergency broadcaster ABC Local 📡
✍️ Analog always wins when digital fails. Be ready to go retro.
CFA (Country Fire Authority)
fans
VicEmergency
Victoria State Emergency Service
SES Ararat Unit
ABC South West VIC
ABC News
ABC Melbourne
Ararat Residents Page
Ararat Regional Images
The Ararat Advocate
Extreme Weather Club
Higgins Storm Chasing
Victorian Storm Chasers
This is what happens when a calm sunset turns electric.I filmed this spectacular storm after sunset on Friday January 9th, from a safe distance in Ararat, Vi...