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Scorching conditions and raging wildfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels forecast to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Across Multiple States

These conditions follow recent bushfires in New South Wales, which caused the loss of homes and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have also been issued for the coming days in parts of South Australia and NSW, as a system of atmospheric pressure moves to the east, bringing blazing sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

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

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

Elsewhere, a major city was plunged into darkness recently after powerful gusts compromised the city’s power grid, with toppled trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also led to major travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Substantial damage to power systems is anticipated to create further problems as service providers work urgently to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Unusual Mist Blankets Sunny Area

At the same time, a valley known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunlight has endured one of its dullest and foggiest periods on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which usually lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, holding temperatures at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by exceptional fall precipitation that resulted in soils saturated.

• Key Factor: Record autumn rainfall saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and dense mist formation.
• Effect: Thermal readings remained unseasonably low for an extended time.

Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

And in another country, a weather system has brought heavy rain, powerful winds and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at higher ground, the storm delivered some of the deepest accumulations since 2016 to a protected area, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snow, fierce northerly winds swept across the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The effect of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.