Arid areas extend over a large portion of the Earth’s surface. They are mostly covered with scarce vegetation, while the better part of the soil is barren, and dominated by microorganisms. These areas experience water shortages intercepted by brief and highly variable episodes of rain that temporarily relieve water shortages and change the desert ecosystem by initiating desert blooms. Yet, what happens to the microbial community during this time is debated. Some researchers claimed that the soil communities mimic the bloom onset upon hydration, while others predicted the demise of the community due to the sudden osmotic shock. Moreover, in hot arid environments the abundance of water quickly gives way to desiccation, forcing the soil microorganisms to rapidly adapt to renewed limiting conditions. We propose that in the fleeting time of plenty, soil microbes are engaged in fierce competition for resources, either by synthesizing antibiotic compounds, adopting various growth patterns, or through predation. Detailed monitoring of the natural microbial community in desert soil following rainfall events revealed a remarkable decrease in species richness and diversity that were gradually restored during soil desiccation.