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Extreme heat and intense wildfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels forecast to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been issued across much of the southwestern region.

Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Across Multiple States

This situation come after this month's fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the destruction of homes and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have additionally been activated for the coming days in areas within South Australia and NSW, as a system of atmospheric pressure shifts eastward, delivering intense heat to much of the area.

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

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

Elsewhere, a major city was left in darkness recently after powerful winds compromised the urban electrical network, with falling trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused major transport delays at a major airport, where numerous air services were grounded. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to create ongoing issues as service providers work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Mist Blankets Typically Clear Region

At the same time, a region known for its clear skies and plentiful sunlight has endured one of its dullest and most overcast weeks on record. A particular form of fog, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, holding temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The prolonged haze has been driven by exceptional fall precipitation that left the ground saturated.

• Primary Driver: Record fall rains soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and dense fog development.
• Impact: Thermal readings stayed below average for an extended time.

Severe Weather Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

And in another country, a weather system has brought intense rain, strong gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While snow is not unheard of at elevated areas, the storm brought some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snow, fierce northerly winds buffeted the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple locations. The influence of the storm is forecast to diminish this week with more typical conditions taking hold.