Dust storms are a peculiar phenomenon. They appear on windy, hot summer days and can cover large areas bringing back visibility to less than an arm length. In Australia, the most severe dust storms usually occur across the dry interior of the continent during the hot summer months. Most students study in one of the capital cities, so you are unlikely to witness a real dust storm.

Somewhat of a rarity, nonetheless, dust storms have been responsible for causing significant inconvenience to city life. In May 1962, strong westerly winds resulted in such a thick dust haze in Sydney, that Bankstown Airport had to close for almost 4 hours.

Probably the worst dust storm to ever affect an Australian capital city hit Melbourne (see Photo) one afternoon in February 1983. During this storm, which lasted for around 30 minutes, the centre of the city was plunged into almost total darkness. As the dust penetrates the smallest openings, all interiors were covered with a layer of dust.

Link: Nature in Australia