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Extreme heat and raging bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels forecast to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Across the Region

This situation follow this month's fires in New South Wales, which caused the loss of homes and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have additionally been activated for the coming days in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure shifts to the east, bringing intense heat to a broad swath of the area.

The mix of extremely dry land and relentless heat creates a dangerous situation for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was left in blackout recently after powerful gusts compromised the urban power grid, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused significant travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Substantial impact on power systems is expected to cause further problems as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Unusual Mist Covers Sunny Area

Meanwhile, a valley famed for its clear skies and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on record. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The extended haze has been driven by unprecedented autumn precipitation that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional autumn rainfall saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and thick mist formation.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed below average for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Destination

Turning to another country, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rain, powerful gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at higher ground, the system brought some of the deepest accumulations since 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

In addition to the snow, strong winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with wind gusts reaching 50mph observed on several islands. The effect of the weather event is expected to ease this week with more seasonal conditions taking hold.