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

Widespread Heatwave Warnings Across the Region

These conditions come after recent fires in another state, which caused the loss of homes and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have also been issued for later this week in parts of South Australia and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure shifts to the east, bringing intense heat to much of the region.

The mix of extremely dry land and unbroken heat presents a dangerous situation for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

Elsewhere, a metropolis was left in darkness last week after powerful gusts compromised the urban power grid, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also led to significant travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Severe impact on power systems is expected to cause ongoing issues as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Mist Blankets Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a region famed for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and long-lasting this year, holding temperatures at a major airport below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged haze has been driven by unprecedented fall rainfall that left soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and dense mist formation.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed below average for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

And in another country, a weather system has ushered in intense rain, powerful winds and even snowfall to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this favored tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the system brought some of the heaviest accumulations since 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snow, strong winds from the north buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The influence of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal conditions taking hold.