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Extreme heat and raging bushfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels forecast to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Heatwave Warnings Across Multiple States

This situation come after this month's fires in another state, which resulted in the loss of properties and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have additionally been activated for the coming days in areas within SA and NSW, as a system of high pressure shifts to the east, delivering blazing sunshine to much of the area.

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 metropolis was plunged into darkness last week after powerful winds damaged the city’s electrical network, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also caused significant transport delays at a major airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to create further problems as service providers scramble to restore power to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Mist Covers Typically Clear Region

At the same time, a valley known for its clear skies and abundant sunlight has endured one of its grayest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A specific type of fog, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, keeping temperatures at a major airport below 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by exceptional autumn rainfall that left soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Exceptional autumn rainfall saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and thick fog formation.
• Effect: Temperatures remained unseasonably low for an extended time.

Storm Delivers Snow to Tourist Islands

And in another country, a weather system has ushered in heavy rainfall, strong winds and even snowfall to a group of islands – conditions many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at higher ground, the storm delivered some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

In addition to the snowfall, fierce northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on several locations. The influence of the storm is expected to diminish this week with more typical conditions taking hold.