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Extreme heat and intense bushfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been declared across a large portion of the south-west.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Across the Region

These conditions come after recent bushfires in another state, which caused the loss of properties and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have additionally been issued for later this week in areas within SA and NSW, as a system of high pressure shifts to the east, bringing blazing heat to a broad swath of the region.

The combination of tinder-dry vegetation and relentless heat presents a volatile scenario for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into darkness recently after strong winds compromised the city’s power grid, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also caused major travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Severe damage to power systems is expected to cause ongoing issues as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Mist Covers Typically Clear Region

Meanwhile, a valley famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on record. A specific type of low cloud, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting this year, holding temperatures at a major airport below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended fog has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn precipitation that left the ground waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains soaked the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and dense mist development.
• Impact: Thermal readings remained below average for an lengthy period.

Storm Brings Snow to Holiday Islands

Turning to another country, a weather system has brought heavy rainfall, strong gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – conditions many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snowfall, strong northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph observed on several locations. The effect of the storm is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal weather returning.