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Scorching conditions and intense bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been issued across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Throughout the Region

These conditions come after recent bushfires in another state, which caused the loss of homes and loss of life. Severe heat alerts have also been issued for the coming days in parts of South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts eastward, delivering intense heat to a broad swath of the region.

The combination of tinder-dry land and relentless heat creates a dangerous situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Climatic Events Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a metropolis was plunged into blackout recently after powerful winds compromised the urban electrical network, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also led to significant transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to create ongoing problems as service providers work urgently to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Unusual Mist Covers Typically Clear Area

Meanwhile, a region known for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has endured one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by unprecedented fall rainfall that left soils saturated.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and dense mist development.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an lengthy period.

Storm Brings Snow to Holiday Destination

Turning to another country, a weather system has ushered in heavy rain, strong gales and even snow to a group of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular holiday destination. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the storm delivered some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, strong winds from the north buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple locations. The influence of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more seasonal conditions returning.