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Extreme heat and intense wildfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures forecast to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the south-west.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Across Multiple States

These conditions follow this month's fires in another state, which caused the destruction of homes and loss of life. Intense heat alerts have also been activated for later this week in parts of South Australia and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure moves eastward, bringing blazing sunshine to much of the region.

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

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a metropolis was left in blackout recently after powerful winds compromised the city’s power grid, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also caused significant transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Substantial damage to power systems is expected to cause further issues as service providers work urgently to restore power to over 1 million residents.

Unusual Mist Blankets Sunny Region

At the same time, a region famed for its sunny weather and abundant sunlight has experienced one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been unusually widespread and persistent this year, holding temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn precipitation that left the ground saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains saturated the ground.
• Outcome: Extended and thick mist formation.
• Impact: Thermal readings stayed below average for an extended time.

Severe Weather Brings Snow to Tourist Islands

Turning to another country, a powerful storm has brought intense rainfall, strong gales and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not associate with this popular tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the storm brought some of the heaviest snow depths since 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

In addition to the snowfall, strong northerly winds buffeted the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple locations. The effect of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more typical weather returning.