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Scorching conditions and raging wildfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures expected to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe heatwave warning has been issued across a large portion of the south-west.

Widespread Heatwave Alerts Throughout Multiple States

This situation come after recent bushfires in another state, which resulted in the loss of properties and loss of life. Intense heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for later this week in areas within SA and NSW, as a ridge of high pressure shifts eastward, bringing blazing sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

The combination of extremely dry land and relentless heat presents a dangerous situation for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was left in blackout last week after powerful winds compromised the city’s power grid, with falling trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also led to major transport delays at a key airport, where numerous air services were grounded. Substantial impact on power systems is anticipated to create further problems as utility companies work urgently to restore power to over 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Fog Blankets Typically Clear Region

At the same time, a valley famed for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its grayest and most overcast weeks on record. A specific type of fog, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been unusually widespread and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by unprecedented fall rainfall that left soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains saturated the ground.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick fog formation.
• Effect: Temperatures remained below average for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Brings Snow to Tourist Islands

Turning to another country, a weather system has brought heavy rainfall, strong gales and even snow to a group of islands – conditions many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the system delivered some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, forcing its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snowfall, strong northerly winds swept across the island chain, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several islands. The effect of the storm is expected to ease this week with more seasonal weather returning.