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Extreme heat and raging wildfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures forecast to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major heatwave warning has been issued across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Throughout Multiple States

These conditions come after this month's bushfires in another state, which caused the destruction of homes and loss of life. Severe heat alerts have additionally been activated for later this week in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a system of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, bringing intense heat to much of the area.

The mix of tinder-dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures presents a dangerous situation for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was plunged into blackout last week after strong gusts damaged the city’s electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also led to major transport delays at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to create further issues as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Mist Blankets Sunny Region

Meanwhile, a valley known for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest periods on recorded history. A specific type of low cloud, which usually lasts for only a few days, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a major airport under 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by unprecedented fall precipitation that left soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains soaked the ground.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick mist development.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an extended period.

Severe Weather Brings Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

Turning to another country, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rainfall, powerful winds and even snowfall to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this favored tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the system brought some of the heaviest snow depths in 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

In addition to the snowfall, fierce northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple islands. The influence of the storm is expected to ease this week with more typical weather returning.