The drought in some parts of Texas and the southern Plains has dramatically come to an end with huge thunderstorms and lashing rain last weekend (May 23rd) – see www.spaceweather.com for May 28th. Lightning bolts were prominent – and sprites. These could be seen shooting up from the top of thunder clouds – but they are a space weather phenomenon. They develop at around 80km altitude and grow in both directions, downwards and upwards, as electric forces shoot to the top of the atmosphere.