Answer:
My thunder comes before the lightning. My lightning comes before the clouds. My rain dries all the land it touches.
When it is alive we sing, when it is dead we clap our hands. What is it?
Late afternoons I often bathe. I'll soak in water piping hot. My essence goes through. My see through clothes. Used up am I - I've gone to pot.
It's usually found dried, but often kept slicker. Above another need, it's said to be thicker. What is it?
I am always in front of you, but you will never see me. What am I?
It produces a flower but it is not its fruitΝΎ it produces branches which are its fruit.