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Scorching conditions and raging wildfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels expected to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the south-west.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Throughout Multiple States

This situation follow this month's fires in another state, which resulted in the loss of homes and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have also been activated for the coming days in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a system of atmospheric pressure moves to the east, delivering blazing heat to much of the area.

The combination of tinder-dry land and unbroken high temperatures presents a volatile situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was left in blackout recently after strong winds damaged the city’s electrical network, with falling trees bringing down electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused major transport delays at a major airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is anticipated to create ongoing problems as utility companies work urgently to restore power to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Covers Sunny Region

At the same time, a valley famed for its clear skies and plentiful sunlight has experienced one of its dullest and most overcast periods on record. A specific type of low cloud, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The prolonged haze has been driven by unprecedented autumn precipitation that resulted in the ground saturated.

• Key Factor: Record autumn rainfall soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick mist formation.
• Impact: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an lengthy time.

Storm Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

And in another country, a powerful storm has brought intense rainfall, strong gales and even snow to a set of islands – weather many would not connect with this popular tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at elevated areas, the storm brought some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snow, fierce northerly winds swept across the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple locations. The influence of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more typical weather taking hold.