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Extreme heat and intense wildfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels forecast to continue soaring 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.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Throughout the Region

These conditions come after recent bushfires in New South Wales, which resulted in the destruction of homes and loss of life. Severe heat alerts have additionally been issued for the coming days in areas within South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of high pressure shifts to the east, bringing blazing heat to much of the region.

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

Worldwide Climatic Events Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a metropolis was left in blackout last week after powerful gusts damaged the urban power grid, with falling trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused major travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Severe impact on power systems is expected to create further problems as service providers scramble to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Blankets Sunny Region

At the same time, a valley known for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on record. A specific type of low cloud, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged haze has been fuelled by exceptional autumn precipitation that left the ground saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional autumn rainfall soaked the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and dense mist formation.
• Impact: Thermal readings stayed below average for an extended time.

Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Tourist Destination

Turning to another country, a weather system has ushered in intense rainfall, powerful gales and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not associate with this popular tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at higher ground, the system brought some of the heaviest accumulations since 2016 to a national park, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snow, strong northerly winds swept across the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple locations. The influence of the storm is forecast to diminish this week with more seasonal weather returning.