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Extreme heat and intense wildfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures forecast to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been issued across much of the southwestern region.

Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Throughout Multiple States

This situation follow this month's bushfires in another state, which caused the destruction of properties and fatalities. Intense heatwave warnings have additionally been activated for the coming days in areas within SA and NSW, as a system of high pressure shifts to the east, bringing blazing sunshine to much of the region.

The combination of tinder-dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures presents a dangerous situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a metropolis was plunged into darkness recently after strong winds damaged the city’s electrical network, with toppled trees bringing down electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused major travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous air services were grounded. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to create further issues as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Covers Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a valley famed for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has endured one of its grayest and most overcast weeks on record. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting 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 fog has been driven by unprecedented autumn precipitation that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional autumn rainfall saturated the ground.
• Outcome: Prolonged and dense fog development.
• Effect: Temperatures remained unseasonably low for an extended period.

Storm Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

And in another country, a weather system has brought intense rain, powerful gales and even snow to a group of islands – weather many would not connect with this popular tourist spot. While snow is not unheard of at higher ground, the storm brought some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its closure.

In addition to the snow, fierce northerly winds swept across the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several islands. The effect of the storm is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal weather returning.