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Extreme heat and raging bushfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels forecast to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major heatwave warning has been declared across a large portion of the south-west.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Across Multiple States

This situation follow recent bushfires in another state, which caused the destruction of properties and fatalities. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for later this week in areas within South Australia and New South Wales, as a system of atmospheric pressure shifts eastward, delivering intense sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

The mix of tinder-dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures creates a volatile scenario for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a metropolis was left in darkness recently after strong gusts compromised the urban electrical network, with falling trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused significant travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause ongoing issues as utility companies work urgently to restore power to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Mist Blankets Typically Clear Area

Meanwhile, a valley famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunlight has endured one of its dullest and most overcast periods on record. A particular form of fog, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub under 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in over 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.
• Result: Extended and dense fog formation.
• Effect: Temperatures remained below average for an extended period.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Holiday Islands

And in another country, a weather system has ushered in intense rain, strong gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – conditions many would not connect with this favored tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the heaviest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snowfall, fierce winds from the north buffeted the archipelago, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple islands. The influence of the weather event is expected to ease this week with more typical conditions returning.