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Extreme heat and raging wildfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the south-west.

Widespread Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout Multiple States

These conditions come after recent bushfires in another state, which caused the loss of homes and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have additionally been issued for later this week in parts of SA and NSW, as a system of high pressure shifts eastward, bringing blazing sunshine to much of the area.

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

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was left in blackout recently after strong winds compromised the city’s power grid, with toppled trees bringing down power lines. The weather conditions also led to significant travel disruption at a major airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to create ongoing problems as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Unusual Fog Blankets Typically Clear Region

Meanwhile, a valley famed for its clear skies and plentiful sunshine has experienced one of its grayest and foggiest periods on record. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and persistent this year, keeping temperatures 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 exceptional fall precipitation that resulted in soils saturated.

• Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains saturated the ground.
• Outcome: Extended and thick fog development.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an extended period.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Holiday Destination

And in another country, a weather system has ushered in intense rainfall, powerful winds and even snow to a group 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 since 2016 to a national park, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snowfall, strong northerly winds swept across the island chain, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on multiple islands. The influence of the storm is forecast to diminish this week with more seasonal conditions returning.