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Scorching conditions and raging bushfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major heatwave warning has been declared across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Across Multiple States

These conditions follow recent fires in another state, which caused the destruction of homes and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have also been issued for the coming days in parts of South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure moves eastward, delivering blazing sunshine to much of the area.

The combination of extremely dry land and unbroken heat creates a volatile situation for emergency crews.

Global Climatic Events Cause Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was plunged into darkness recently after powerful winds compromised the urban electrical network, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also led to significant travel disruption at a major airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Severe impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to create further issues as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million residents.

Atypical Mist Blankets Sunny Region

Meanwhile, a valley famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and most overcast weeks on recorded history. A specific type of fog, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, holding temperatures at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended fog has been fuelled by unprecedented fall rainfall that left soils waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Record fall rains saturated the ground.
• Result: Extended and thick mist formation.
• Impact: Temperatures stayed below average for an extended period.

Storm Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Islands

And in another country, a powerful storm has brought heavy rain, powerful gales and even snow to a group of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While snow is not unheard of at higher ground, the storm delivered some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snow, strong winds from the north buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several locations. The effect of the weather event is expected to ease this week with more typical weather returning.