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Extreme heat and raging bushfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels expected to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major heatwave warning has been issued across much of the south-west.

Broad Heatwave Warnings Across the Region

These conditions follow this month's fires in another state, which resulted in the loss of homes and loss of life. Intense heat alerts have additionally been activated for later this week in areas within South Australia and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure shifts to the east, delivering intense heat to much of the area.

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

Global Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into blackout last week after powerful winds damaged the city’s electrical network, with toppled trees bringing down power lines. The weather conditions also led to significant transport delays at a major airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Severe impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to create ongoing issues as service providers work urgently to restore power to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Fog Blankets Typically Clear Area

Meanwhile, a valley famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunlight has endured one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which usually lasts for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and persistent this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by exceptional autumn rainfall that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record autumn rainfall soaked the ground.
• Outcome: Prolonged and dense mist development.
• Effect: Temperatures remained below average for an extended period.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Tourist Islands

Turning to another country, a powerful storm has brought heavy rain, powerful gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – weather many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the storm brought some of the deepest snow depths since 2016 to a national park, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snow, fierce winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several locations. The influence of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more typical weather returning.