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Extreme heat and intense bushfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures expected to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe heatwave warning has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout the Region

These conditions follow this month's fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of properties and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have also been issued for later this week in parts of South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of high pressure moves to the east, delivering intense sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

The combination of extremely dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures creates a dangerous situation for firefighters.

Global Climatic Events Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a metropolis was plunged into darkness last week after powerful gusts compromised the urban power grid, with toppled trees bringing down electricity cables. The stormy weather also led to major travel disruption at a major airport, where numerous flights were cancelled. Severe impact on power systems is anticipated to create further problems as utility companies scramble to restore power to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Fog Blankets Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a region famed for its clear skies and abundant sunlight has endured one of its dullest and most overcast periods on record. A specific type of fog, which typically lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, holding temperatures at a major airport below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The extended haze has been driven by exceptional autumn rainfall that resulted in soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional autumn rainfall soaked the ground.
• Result: Extended and thick mist formation.
• Impact: Temperatures remained unseasonably low for an extended period.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

Turning to another country, a weather system has ushered in heavy rainfall, strong gales and even snow to a group of islands – weather many would not connect with this popular tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the system brought some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snowfall, fierce northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The effect of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal conditions returning.