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Extreme heat and raging wildfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been declared across a large portion of the south-west.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Throughout Multiple States

These conditions come after recent bushfires in another state, which resulted in the destruction of properties and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have also been activated for later this week in parts of South Australia and New South Wales, as a system of atmospheric pressure moves to the east, bringing intense sunshine to much of the area.

The mix of tinder-dry vegetation and unbroken high temperatures presents a dangerous situation for emergency crews.

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into darkness recently after powerful winds damaged the urban electrical network, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The weather conditions also led to major travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Severe damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to cause ongoing issues as service providers scramble to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Blankets Sunny Region

Meanwhile, a valley famed for its sunny weather and abundant sunlight has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A specific type of fog, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn rainfall that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and thick fog formation.
• Impact: Temperatures stayed below average for an extended period.

Severe Weather Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

Turning to another country, a weather system has ushered in heavy rain, powerful winds and even snow to a group of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While snow is not unheard of at higher ground, the storm delivered some of the heaviest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snow, strong winds from the north buffeted the archipelago, with gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple locations. The influence of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.