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

Widespread Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout the Region

This situation come after this month's bushfires in another state, which resulted in the destruction of properties and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have also been issued for the coming days in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure shifts eastward, delivering intense heat to a broad swath of the area.

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

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a metropolis was left in blackout recently after powerful winds damaged the urban electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also caused significant transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause further issues as service providers work urgently to restore power to over 1 million residents.

Unusual Mist Covers Sunny Area

Meanwhile, a valley known for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has endured one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on record. A specific type of low cloud, which usually lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The extended fog has been driven by exceptional autumn precipitation that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains saturated the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and thick fog development.
• Impact: Thermal readings remained below average for an lengthy period.

Severe Weather Brings Wintry Weather to Tourist Destination

Turning to another country, a weather system has brought intense rain, strong gales and even snow to a set of islands – weather many would not connect 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 protected area, compelling its closure.

Alongside the snow, strong winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple locations. The influence of the weather event is expected to diminish this week with more typical conditions returning.