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Extreme heat and raging wildfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures expected to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe heatwave warning has been declared across a large portion of the south-west.

Broad Heatwave Warnings Throughout the Region

These conditions come after this month's bushfires in another state, which resulted in the destruction of properties and loss of life. Intense heatwave warnings have also been issued for the coming days in areas within SA and NSW, as a system of high pressure moves to the east, delivering intense sunshine to much of the area.

The mix of extremely dry vegetation and relentless heat creates a volatile situation for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

In another part of the world, a metropolis was left in blackout recently after powerful winds compromised the city’s power grid, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also caused significant transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Severe impact on power systems is anticipated to cause further problems as utility companies work urgently to restore power to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Fog Blankets Sunny Region

Meanwhile, a region known for its clear skies and plentiful sunlight has endured one of its grayest and foggiest periods on record. A particular form of fog, which usually lasts for only a few days, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, keeping the mercury at a major airport below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The prolonged haze has been fuelled by unprecedented fall rainfall that resulted in the ground saturated.

• Primary Driver: Record fall rains soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and dense mist development.
• Impact: Temperatures remained unseasonably low for an lengthy time.

Storm Brings Snow to Holiday Islands

And in another country, a weather system has ushered in heavy rain, strong winds and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at higher ground, the storm brought some of the deepest accumulations since 2016 to a protected area, compelling its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snow, strong winds from the north swept across the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The influence of the weather event is expected to ease this week with more seasonal conditions returning.