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Scorching conditions and intense wildfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels expected to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the south-west.

Widespread Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout Multiple States

This situation follow recent fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the destruction of properties and fatalities. Intense heatwave warnings have also been issued for the coming days in parts of South Australia and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure shifts to the east, bringing blazing sunshine to much of the region.

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

Global Climatic Events Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was plunged into blackout recently after strong gusts damaged the urban electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also caused major transport delays at a major airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Severe damage to power systems is anticipated to create ongoing problems as service providers scramble to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Fog Blankets Sunny Area

Meanwhile, a valley known for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has endured one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on record. A particular form of fog, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been unusually widespread and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a major airport below 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn precipitation that resulted in soils saturated.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and thick fog formation.
• Impact: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Holiday Islands

And in another country, a powerful storm has brought intense rainfall, powerful gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored holiday destination. While snow is not unheard of at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snow, strong winds from the north swept across the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The influence of the weather event is expected to ease this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.