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Extreme heat and intense bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels expected to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe heatwave warning has been issued across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Across the Region

These conditions follow this month's fires in New South Wales, which caused the destruction of homes and loss of life. Intense heatwave warnings have also been activated for later this week in areas within South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure moves to the east, delivering blazing heat to much of the region.

The combination of extremely dry vegetation and unbroken high temperatures presents a volatile situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Climatic Events Cause Chaos

In another part of the world, a metropolis was plunged into darkness recently after strong winds compromised the urban electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused significant transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Severe damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to cause ongoing issues as utility companies work urgently to restore power to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Fog Blankets Typically Clear Region

At the same time, a valley known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its grayest and foggiest periods on recorded history. A specific type of fog, which typically lasts for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping the mercury at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn rainfall that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and thick mist development.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed below average for an lengthy period.

Storm Brings Snow to Tourist Islands

Turning to another country, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rainfall, strong gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – weather many would not connect with this favored tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at elevated areas, the system brought some of the deepest snow depths since 2016 to a protected area, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snow, fierce northerly winds buffeted the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple locations. The effect of the storm is expected to diminish this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.