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Scorching conditions and raging bushfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels forecast to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been declared across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Throughout Multiple States

This situation follow this month's fires in another state, which resulted in the destruction of properties and loss of life. Severe heat alerts have also been activated for later this week in parts of South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, bringing blazing sunshine to a broad swath of the area.

The mix of extremely dry land and unbroken heat creates a dangerous situation for emergency crews.

Global Climatic Events Trigger Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was left in blackout recently after strong gusts damaged the urban power grid, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also caused significant travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Substantial impact on power systems is anticipated to create further problems as service providers work urgently to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million residents.

Unusual Mist Covers Sunny Region

At the same time, a region known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its grayest and foggiest periods on record. A specific type of fog, which usually lingers for only a short time, has been unusually widespread and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn rainfall that left soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains soaked the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and thick fog development.
• Impact: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an lengthy period.

Severe Weather Brings Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

Turning to another country, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rain, powerful gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at higher ground, the system delivered some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

In addition to the snow, strong winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with wind gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple islands. The influence of the storm is expected to diminish this week with more typical conditions returning.