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Extreme heat and intense wildfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures forecast to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Widespread Heatwave Alerts Throughout the Region

These conditions come after this month's fires in another state, which caused the loss 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 high pressure shifts eastward, delivering intense sunshine to much of the region.

The combination of extremely dry vegetation and unbroken heat presents a volatile situation for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was plunged into darkness last week after powerful winds damaged the city’s electrical network, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also led to major transport delays at a key airport, where numerous flights were grounded. Severe impact on power systems is anticipated to cause ongoing issues as utility companies scramble to restore power to over 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Mist Blankets Sunny Area

Meanwhile, a region known for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has endured one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A specific type of low cloud, which usually lingers for only a short time, has been unusually widespread and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The extended fog has been driven by exceptional autumn rainfall that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains soaked the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and dense fog development.
• Effect: Thermal readings remained below average for an extended time.

Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Islands

And in another country, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rain, strong gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – conditions many would not associate with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the storm brought some of the heaviest snow depths in 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snow, strong northerly winds swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several locations. The effect of the storm is expected to diminish this week with more seasonal conditions taking hold.