The Mankala Season

Mankala is the "wet time", characterized by strong north- west wangal (winds) that bring wula (rains) from the nagula (sea). There is little or no thunder and lightning, just constant rains. Wirdu wangal (cyclones) may develop. In calendar months, Mankala occurs from about the end of December to about March. However, rain may start to fall as early as November or it may start much later. Sometimes it may fall for only a short period of time. Therefore the lengths of this season varies according to the duration of the rainfall.

The people know that the wet is coming because they read the signs of the thunder, lightning and build up of clouds that occurred during Larja. The arrival of the Wiyurr (Hirundo rustica- barn swallows) and Wanminy (Musca retustissima- fly) are also indicators that Mankala has arrived

Wiyurr arrive as the rain clouds build up

Early in Mankala, Gujuguju (dust storms) occur as the strong winds blow, bringing the first rains. Once the grounds become wet, these soon cease. At first, the rains come in sudden downpours, with thunder and lightning. These are followed by humid periods caused by the hot earth being cooled and the hot rising air being kept in by the cloud cover. Gradually the rain sets in and occurs more frequently. The thunder and lightning cease but the strong winds continue to blow.