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Extreme heat and raging wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels expected to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Widespread Heatwave Warnings Across the Region

These conditions follow this month's fires in another state, which resulted in the destruction of homes and loss of life. Intense heat alerts have also been issued for later this week in parts of South Australia and NSW, as a system of high pressure shifts to the east, bringing intense sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

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

Global Climatic Events Trigger Chaos

In another part of the world, a metropolis was left in darkness last week after powerful winds compromised the urban electrical network, with falling trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused significant travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Severe impact on power systems is anticipated to cause ongoing issues as service providers work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Unusual Fog Blankets Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a region famed for its clear skies and plentiful sunshine has experienced one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on record. A particular form of low cloud, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, holding temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by exceptional fall rainfall that left soils waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains soaked the ground.
• Result: Extended and dense fog development.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed below average for an extended period.

Severe Weather Brings Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

And in another country, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rainfall, powerful winds and even snowfall to a group of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the storm brought some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a national park, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snow, fierce winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several locations. The influence of the weather event is expected to ease this week with more seasonal conditions returning.