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Scorching conditions and raging wildfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures forecast 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.

Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Across the Region

This situation come after this month's bushfires in New South Wales, which resulted in the destruction of properties and fatalities. Intense heatwave warnings have also been activated for later this week in parts of South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure moves eastward, delivering blazing heat to much of the region.

The combination of tinder-dry land and unbroken heat presents a dangerous scenario for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was left in blackout last week after powerful winds damaged the urban power grid, with falling trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused major transport delays at a major airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Substantial damage to power systems is anticipated to cause further issues as utility companies scramble to restore power to over 1 million residents.

Unusual Mist Covers Sunny Region

At the same time, a valley known for its sunny weather and abundant sunlight has endured one of its grayest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been unusually widespread and long-lasting this year, keeping the mercury at a major airport under 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn precipitation that left the ground waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and dense mist development.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed below average for an extended period.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Tourist Destination

Turning to another country, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rainfall, powerful gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this favored tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at elevated areas, the system delivered some of the heaviest accumulations since 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

In addition to the snowfall, fierce winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several locations. The effect of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal weather returning.