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

Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Across the Region

This situation come after recent fires in another state, which caused the destruction of properties and loss of life. Severe heat alerts have also been issued for later this week in areas within SA and NSW, as a system of high pressure shifts to the east, delivering intense sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

The mix of tinder-dry land and unbroken heat creates a dangerous scenario for emergency crews.

Global Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was plunged into darkness recently after powerful winds damaged the urban electrical network, with falling trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused major travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Severe damage to power systems is anticipated to create ongoing issues as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Mist Covers Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a valley famed for its sunny weather and abundant sunlight has endured one of its grayest and most overcast weeks on recorded history. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been unusually widespread and persistent this year, holding the mercury at a major airport below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The extended fog has been fuelled by exceptional autumn rainfall that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and dense fog formation.
• Impact: Thermal readings remained unseasonably low for an lengthy time.

Storm Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

Turning to another country, a weather system has brought intense rainfall, powerful gales and even snow to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the system brought some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a national park, compelling its closure.

Alongside the snowfall, strong northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The effect of the storm is expected to diminish this week with more typical conditions taking hold.