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Extreme heat and intense wildfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels expected to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Broad Heatwave Warnings Throughout Multiple States

This situation follow this month's fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of homes and fatalities. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been activated for later this week in areas within South Australia and NSW, as a system of high pressure shifts eastward, bringing blazing heat to a broad swath of the area.

The combination of extremely dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures creates a volatile situation for emergency crews.

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into darkness recently after strong winds damaged the urban electrical network, with falling trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused major travel disruption at a major airport, where numerous air services were grounded. Severe impact on power systems is expected to create ongoing issues as utility companies scramble to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Covers Sunny Area

Meanwhile, a valley famed for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably widespread and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a major airport below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by exceptional fall rainfall that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and dense fog development.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an extended period.

Severe Weather Brings Snow to Holiday Destination

Turning to another country, a powerful storm has brought intense rainfall, powerful winds and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not associate with this popular holiday destination. While snow is not unheard of at higher ground, the system brought some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snow, fierce winds from the north swept across the island chain, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on multiple locations. The effect of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more typical weather returning.