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Extreme heat and intense bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe heatwave warning has been issued across a large portion of the south-west.

Widespread Extreme Heat Alerts Across the Region

These conditions follow this month's fires in New South Wales, which caused the loss of homes and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have also been activated for the coming days in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a system of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, bringing blazing sunshine to much of the region.

The combination of extremely dry land and unbroken heat presents a volatile scenario for emergency crews.

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was plunged into darkness recently after strong winds compromised the city’s power grid, with falling trees knocking out electricity cables. The weather conditions also led to major travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Severe impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to cause ongoing issues as utility companies scramble to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Atypical Mist Covers Sunny Region

At the same time, a region famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunlight has endured one of its dullest and foggiest periods on record. A particular form of low cloud, which usually lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for more than 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.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick mist formation.
• Impact: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Tourist Destination

And in another country, a powerful storm has brought heavy rain, powerful winds and even snow to a group of islands – conditions many would not associate with this popular holiday destination. While snow is not unheard of at higher ground, the system delivered some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snowfall, fierce northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on several locations. The influence of the storm is forecast to ease this week with more typical conditions taking hold.