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Scorching conditions and intense 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.

Widespread Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout the Region

This situation come after this month's fires in New South Wales, which caused the loss of properties and fatalities. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for the coming days in parts of SA and NSW, as a system of high pressure shifts to the east, delivering intense sunshine to a broad swath of the area.

The combination of tinder-dry land and unbroken heat creates a dangerous scenario for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was plunged into blackout last week after powerful gusts compromised the city’s power grid, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The weather conditions also led to major travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to cause further issues as service providers scramble to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Mist Covers Sunny Area

Meanwhile, a region famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunlight has experienced one of its grayest and most overcast weeks on record. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lasts for only a few days, has been unusually widespread and persistent this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The prolonged haze has been fuelled by unprecedented fall rainfall that resulted in soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional autumn rainfall saturated the soil.
• Result: Prolonged and thick fog development.
• Effect: Temperatures remained below average for an extended time.

Severe Weather Brings Snow to Tourist Destination

Turning to another country, a powerful storm has brought intense rain, powerful gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the system brought some of the heaviest accumulations since 2016 to a national park, compelling its closure.

Alongside the snow, fierce winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple locations. The effect of the weather event is expected to diminish this week with more typical conditions taking hold.