The desert is usually hot, dry, sunny, and very dusty. It can get cold at night. Dust storms can remove all visibility, and can affect travel plans and navigation. Strong winds can come at any time. Rain can turn the Playa into mud that cars get stuck in. We hear that trailers have been blowing over, the airport is underwater. If you can’t get a plane and you’re thinking you could take the bus instead, you’re SOL. The Burner Express is no longer selling tickets. If you were planning to fly in and have to change your plans, try rideshare.burningman.com.

Some tips to weather the storm from my friends at Ohm Kamp. They’re going to be in Yurts but these are useful for tent campers too:

Atari says:

photo by Peter Ruprecht

So i just came back from making love to the playa and watched 3 yurt foam boards fly 20 ft overhead and get lost in a dust storm. To everyone / anyone who is in a yurt, please make sure u have the following three things :
1. Rope for the roof halo
2. Tie downs (either rope or ratchet straps)
3. Rebar (there are pre-bent ones at Home Depot)
These three things are Essential to keeping ur yurt from blowing away when it’s up and please remember when ur setting up to make sure the foam boards are tied down as wind picks up within seconds and can send it sailing across the playa. Saw one fly 20 ft in the air and disappear into a dust storm today

Sick Dog says:

Here are a few things to keep in mind for yourself if there is heavy or continuous rain:
Stay in camp! You should already have everything you need there
Don’t drive your cars, art cars, or bikes. The playa mud sticks and sticks and sticks!
Tune in to BMIR 94.5FM for information as they will provide info on weather
Bring a bucket and garbage bags! This will act as a toilet for you and others if it is impossible to get to the toilets (do a search for Lugable Loo for ideas on how to make one or where to buy one)
Cover/secure/turn off any electrical for your camp that may be affected by the rain water
Check your infrastructure to make sure it is secure if winds or other conditions pick up
And relax! Socialize and continue to enjoy your time on the playa (and think about the cool pictures and stories you will get to share!)
There are other personal tips as well like:
Bring a raincoat
Keep a set of dry clothes in a bag (good for rain or the day you leave BM)
Park your vehicle or trailer on a piece of wood (so in case of heavy rain the tires don’t sink) hopefully any rain during the years event will be small and fun!

Also check out our tips for bringing a camera from Curious Josh.

photo by Atari – that is one Giant of a Man