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Extreme heat and intense bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels forecast to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been issued across much of the south-west.

Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout the Region

This situation come after recent bushfires in another state, which caused the loss of homes and loss of life. Severe heat alerts have also been activated for later this week in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts eastward, delivering intense heat to a broad swath of the region.

The mix of tinder-dry vegetation and relentless heat presents a dangerous scenario for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was left in darkness last week after strong gusts compromised the city’s electrical network, with toppled trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also caused major transport delays at a major airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to create ongoing problems as utility companies work urgently to restore power to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Mist Covers Typically Clear Region

Meanwhile, a region famed for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has endured one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and persistent 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 haze has been driven by unprecedented fall precipitation that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains soaked the ground.
• Outcome: Extended and dense fog development.
• Impact: Thermal readings stayed below average for an lengthy period.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Destination

And in another country, a weather system has brought heavy rain, strong winds and even snow to a group of islands – conditions many would not connect with this favored tourist spot. While snow is not unheard of at higher ground, the storm delivered some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snow, strong northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on several locations. The influence of the storm is expected to diminish this week with more seasonal conditions returning.