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Extreme heat and raging wildfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been issued across much of the southwestern region.

Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Throughout Multiple States

These conditions follow this month's fires in another state, which caused the destruction of homes and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have also been issued for the coming days in parts of SA and NSW, as a system of atmospheric pressure moves to the east, bringing intense sunshine to much of the area.

The mix of tinder-dry vegetation and relentless heat presents a dangerous situation for emergency crews.

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was left in darkness recently after strong winds compromised the city’s power grid, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also led to major transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Severe impact on power systems is anticipated to cause ongoing issues as service providers scramble to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Covers Sunny Area

At the same time, a region known for its clear skies and plentiful sunlight has endured one of its dullest and most overcast periods on record. A particular form of low cloud, which usually lasts for only a few days, has been remarkably 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 over three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by unprecedented fall precipitation that left the ground waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains soaked the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and dense mist development.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Islands

And in another country, a powerful storm has brought heavy rainfall, powerful winds and even snowfall to a group of islands – weather many would not connect with this favored tourist spot. While snow is not unheard of at higher ground, the storm brought some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, compelling its closure.

Alongside the snow, fierce northerly winds swept across the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on several locations. The influence of the weather event is expected to diminish this week with more seasonal conditions returning.