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

Widespread Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout the Region

This situation follow recent bushfires in New South Wales, which caused the destruction of properties and loss of life. Severe heat alerts have additionally been issued for the coming days in parts of South Australia and NSW, as a system of high pressure shifts to the east, bringing blazing sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

The combination of extremely dry land and relentless high temperatures presents a dangerous situation for emergency crews.

Global Climatic Events Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was plunged into darkness recently after strong gusts damaged the city’s power grid, with falling trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused significant transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Severe impact on power systems is anticipated to create further issues as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Fog Covers Sunny Region

At the same time, a valley known for its clear skies and plentiful sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by unprecedented fall rainfall that left soils waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains soaked the ground.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick fog formation.
• Effect: Thermal readings remained unseasonably low for an lengthy period.

Storm Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

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

Alongside the snow, fierce northerly winds swept across the island chain, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on several locations. The influence of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more typical weather returning.