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Extreme heat and intense bushfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe heatwave warning has been declared across much of the south-west.

Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout Multiple States

These conditions come after this month's bushfires in New South Wales, which resulted in the destruction of homes and fatalities. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for the coming days in parts of South Australia and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure shifts to the east, bringing blazing sunshine to a broad swath of the area.

The combination of tinder-dry land and relentless heat creates a dangerous scenario for firefighters.

Worldwide Climatic Events Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was plunged into blackout recently after powerful winds compromised the city’s power grid, with toppled trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also led to significant travel disruption at a major airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Severe impact on power systems is anticipated to cause ongoing issues as utility companies scramble to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Atypical Mist Blankets Sunny Area

At the same time, a region famed for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on record. A particular form of low cloud, which usually lasts for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The prolonged haze has been fuelled by exceptional autumn rainfall that left the ground saturated.

• Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains soaked the ground.
• Outcome: Extended and dense fog development.
• Effect: Temperatures remained below average for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday 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 popular tourist spot. While snow is not unheard of at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the deepest snow depths since 2016 to a protected area, forcing its closure.

In addition to the snowfall, strong northerly winds swept across the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The effect of the storm is expected to ease this week with more typical conditions returning.