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Extreme heat and raging bushfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been declared across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Widespread Heatwave Warnings Across Multiple States

This situation follow recent bushfires in another state, which resulted in the destruction of homes and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have also been issued for the coming days in areas within South Australia and New South Wales, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts eastward, bringing blazing heat to much of the area.

The combination of extremely dry land and relentless high temperatures presents a volatile situation for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into darkness last week after powerful winds damaged the city’s power grid, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also caused major travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous flights were cancelled. Severe impact on power systems is anticipated to create further problems as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Fog Covers Sunny Region

At the same time, a region famed for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on record. A specific type of fog, which usually lasts for only a few days, has been unusually widespread and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The prolonged haze has been driven by exceptional autumn precipitation that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Record fall rains saturated the ground.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick mist formation.
• Effect: Thermal readings remained unseasonably low for an extended time.

Storm Delivers Snow to Holiday Destination

And in another country, a weather system has brought heavy rain, powerful winds and even snowfall to a group of islands – conditions many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the system delivered some of the heaviest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snowfall, fierce northerly winds swept across the archipelago, with gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on multiple locations. The effect of the weather event is expected to ease this week with more seasonal conditions taking hold.