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Scorching conditions and raging bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe heatwave warning has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Extreme Heat Alerts Across the Region

This situation come after this month's bushfires in another state, which caused the loss of homes and loss of life. Intense heat alerts have additionally been activated for later this week in parts of South Australia and NSW, as a system of high pressure moves to the east, delivering blazing sunshine to much of the region.

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

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was left in darkness recently after strong winds damaged the urban electrical network, with falling trees bringing down electricity cables. The stormy weather also led to significant travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous flights were grounded. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause further problems as service providers work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Unusual Fog Covers Typically Clear Area

Meanwhile, a region famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunlight has endured one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A specific type of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and persistent this year, holding temperatures at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The extended haze has been driven by unprecedented autumn precipitation that left the ground waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick mist development.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an extended period.

Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

And in another country, a weather system has brought intense rain, strong winds and even snowfall to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the system delivered some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, compelling its closure.

Alongside the snow, strong northerly winds swept across the archipelago, with gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several locations. The effect of the storm is expected to ease this week with more typical weather taking hold.