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Extreme heat and intense wildfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major heatwave warning has been issued across a large portion of the south-west.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Across Multiple States

These conditions follow this month's fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of properties and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for later this week in parts of SA and NSW, as a system of atmospheric pressure moves to the east, delivering blazing sunshine to much of the area.

The mix of extremely dry vegetation and unbroken high temperatures creates a volatile situation for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was left in darkness last week after strong winds damaged the urban electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also led to significant travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause further issues as service providers work urgently to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Unusual Fog Covers Sunny Region

Meanwhile, a valley famed for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has endured one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A specific type of fog, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub below 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged haze has been fuelled by unprecedented fall precipitation that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and dense mist formation.
• Effect: Temperatures remained unseasonably low for an extended period.

Storm Brings Snow to Holiday Destination

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

Alongside the snow, strong northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on several islands. The effect of the weather event is expected to diminish this week with more typical conditions taking hold.