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

Widespread Heatwave Warnings Throughout Multiple States

This situation come after this month's fires in another state, which resulted in the loss of homes and fatalities. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for the coming days in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts eastward, delivering intense sunshine to a broad swath of the area.

The mix of extremely dry land and unbroken high temperatures creates a dangerous situation for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was plunged into darkness last week after strong winds compromised the city’s power grid, with toppled trees bringing down electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused significant travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Severe impact on power systems is anticipated to create ongoing issues as service providers work urgently to restore power to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Mist Covers Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a region known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its dullest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by exceptional autumn rainfall that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall soaked the ground.
• Result: Extended and thick mist formation.
• Effect: Temperatures remained unseasonably low for an lengthy period.

Severe Weather Brings Snow to Holiday Islands

Turning to another country, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rain, strong winds and even snow to a group of islands – conditions many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at elevated areas, the storm brought some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snow, fierce northerly winds buffeted the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple islands. The influence of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more typical weather returning.