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Scorching conditions and raging wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels forecast to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major heatwave warning has been issued across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Heatwave Warnings Across Multiple States

This situation follow recent bushfires in another state, which caused the loss of homes and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have additionally been issued for later this week in areas within SA and NSW, as a ridge of high pressure moves to the east, bringing intense sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

The combination of tinder-dry land and relentless heat creates a volatile situation for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was plunged into blackout recently after powerful gusts damaged the city’s power grid, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also caused significant travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous flights were cancelled. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to create ongoing issues as service providers scramble to restore power to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Mist Blankets Sunny Area

Meanwhile, a valley known for its clear skies and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A specific type of fog, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been unusually widespread and persistent this year, holding temperatures at a key transport hub under 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn rainfall that resulted in the ground saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains soaked the soil.
• Result: Extended and thick fog development.
• Impact: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Holiday Islands

Turning to another country, a weather system has ushered in intense rain, powerful winds and even snow to a set of islands – weather 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 protected area, compelling its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snow, strong winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several locations. The influence of the storm is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal conditions returning.