Lightning over the Arizona high desert is among nature's most dramatic spectacles. These images capture lightning strikes, desert rainbows, and the rare atmospheric phenomenon known as sundogs — light refracted through ice crystals into vivid arcs flanking the sun.

To see weather phenomena out of which lightning and rainbows emerge, visit these galleries:

Clouds and Mist

"Sunrises and Sunsets"

"Dark Brooding Visions"

"Flipping Light and Dark"

Keywords- lightning photography, lightning strike, rainbow, sundog, atmospheric optics, Arizona monsoon, desert storm, dramatic sky, storm photography, Flagstaff Arizona, Northern Arizona, Southwest storms, Mount Elden, fine art weather photography, atmospheric phenomenon, wall art, nature print