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Scorching conditions and intense bushfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Across Multiple States

This situation follow recent bushfires in New South Wales, which caused the loss of homes and fatalities. Intense heatwave warnings have also been issued for the coming days in areas within South Australia and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure moves to the east, bringing blazing sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

The combination of extremely dry vegetation and relentless heat presents a dangerous scenario for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was left in blackout recently after strong gusts damaged the city’s power grid, with falling trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused major transport delays at a key airport, where numerous air services were grounded. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause further issues as service providers work urgently to restore power to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Mist Blankets Typically Clear Area

Meanwhile, a valley famed for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and most overcast weeks on record. A particular form of fog, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by unprecedented fall precipitation that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains soaked the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and thick fog formation.
• Impact: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Brings Snow to Holiday Islands

And in another country, a weather system has ushered in heavy rainfall, strong gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – conditions many would not associate with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the system brought some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure.

Alongside the snowfall, strong northerly winds swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several islands. The effect of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more typical weather returning.