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Scorching conditions and raging wildfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels forecast to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe heatwave warning has been issued across a large portion of the south-west.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Throughout Multiple States

These conditions come after recent bushfires in New South Wales, which caused the loss of homes and loss of life. Severe heat alerts have additionally been activated for the coming days in parts of South Australia and NSW, as a system of high pressure moves eastward, bringing intense heat to a broad swath of the region.

The combination of extremely dry land and unbroken high temperatures presents a volatile scenario for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was left in blackout last week after powerful gusts damaged the city’s electrical network, with falling trees knocking out electricity cables. The weather conditions also led to significant travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Substantial damage to power systems is expected to create ongoing issues as service providers scramble to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Fog Blankets Sunny Region

At the same time, a valley famed for its clear skies and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on record. A specific type of low cloud, which typically lasts for only a few days, has been unusually widespread and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The extended haze has been driven by exceptional fall precipitation that resulted in soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and thick fog development.
• Impact: Temperatures stayed below average for an extended period.

Severe Weather Brings Snow to Holiday Destination

And in another country, a weather system has ushered in heavy rainfall, powerful gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at higher ground, the system brought some of the deepest snow depths since 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure.

Alongside the snowfall, strong winds from the north buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The effect of the storm is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.