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Scorching conditions and raging wildfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels forecast to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Throughout Multiple States

This situation follow recent fires in New South Wales, which caused the destruction of homes and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have also been issued for later this week in areas within South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of high pressure moves eastward, delivering blazing sunshine to a broad swath of the area.

The mix of extremely dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures presents a dangerous situation for emergency crews.

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was plunged into darkness last week after strong winds damaged the urban power grid, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also led to major transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to create further problems as service providers work urgently to restore power to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Mist Covers Sunny Area

Meanwhile, a region famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its grayest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A specific type of fog, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged haze has been driven by unprecedented autumn rainfall that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional autumn rainfall soaked the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and thick fog development.
• Impact: Thermal readings stayed below average for an lengthy period.

Severe Weather Brings Snow to Tourist Destination

Turning to another country, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rain, powerful winds and even snow to a set of islands – weather many would not connect with this popular tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the heaviest snow depths in 2016 to a national park, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, strong northerly winds swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The effect of the storm is forecast to diminish this week with more typical weather taking hold.