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Extreme heat and raging wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures forecast to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the south-west.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Throughout Multiple States

These conditions follow recent fires in another state, which resulted in the loss of properties and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have also been activated for the coming days in parts of South Australia and New South Wales, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, bringing blazing heat to a broad swath of the region.

The mix of extremely dry vegetation and unbroken heat creates a dangerous situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was plunged into blackout recently after strong winds compromised the urban power grid, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused major transport delays at a key airport, where numerous air services were grounded. Severe impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to create further problems as utility companies scramble to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Blankets Sunny Area

At the same time, a valley known for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has endured one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting 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 haze has been driven by exceptional autumn precipitation that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional autumn rainfall saturated the soil.
• Result: Extended and dense fog development.
• Impact: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an lengthy period.

Storm Brings Snow to Tourist Destination

Turning to another country, a powerful storm has brought heavy rainfall, strong winds and even snow to a set of islands – weather many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the system brought some of the deepest snow depths since 2016 to a national park, compelling its closure.

Alongside the snowfall, fierce winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The influence of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more typical conditions taking hold.