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Scorching conditions and raging wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures forecast to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the south-west.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Across Multiple States

These conditions follow recent fires in another state, which resulted in the loss of homes and fatalities. Intense heatwave warnings have additionally been activated for later this week in parts of SA and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, delivering intense sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

The mix of tinder-dry land and relentless high temperatures presents a dangerous scenario for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was left in blackout recently after strong gusts damaged the city’s power grid, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also led to major travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Severe impact on power systems is anticipated to cause further issues as utility companies scramble to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Atypical Mist Blankets Sunny Area

At the same time, a valley known for its sunny weather and abundant sunlight has experienced one of its dullest and most overcast weeks on record. A particular form of fog, which typically lasts for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The extended haze has been driven by exceptional fall precipitation that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional autumn rainfall soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and dense mist formation.
• Effect: Temperatures remained below average for an extended period.

Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Tourist Destination

Turning to another country, a powerful storm has brought heavy rainfall, strong gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the heaviest accumulations since 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snowfall, strong winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The effect of the storm is forecast to diminish this week with more typical conditions returning.