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

Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout Multiple States

This situation follow this month's bushfires in New South Wales, which caused the loss of homes and fatalities. Intense heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for the coming days in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure shifts eastward, delivering intense sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

The mix of extremely dry land and unbroken high temperatures creates a dangerous scenario for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a metropolis was left in blackout last week after strong gusts compromised the city’s electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The weather conditions also led to significant transport delays at a major airport, where numerous air services were grounded. Severe impact on power systems is expected to create further issues as service providers scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Mist Covers Typically Clear Region

Meanwhile, a region famed for its sunny weather and abundant sunlight has endured one of its dullest and most overcast weeks on recorded history. A specific type of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a short time, has been unusually widespread and persistent this year, holding temperatures at a major airport under 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged haze has been fuelled by exceptional fall precipitation that left soils waterlogged.

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

Storm Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

And in another country, a powerful storm has brought intense rain, powerful gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the system brought some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snow, fierce winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with wind gusts reaching 50mph observed on several locations. The influence of the storm is forecast to ease this week with more typical weather taking hold.