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Extreme heat and intense wildfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major heatwave warning has been issued across a large portion of the south-west.

Widespread Heatwave Alerts Throughout Multiple States

These conditions follow this month's fires in another state, which resulted in the destruction of homes and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have also been issued for later this week in parts of South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure moves to the east, bringing intense sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

The combination of extremely dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures creates a volatile situation for emergency crews.

Global Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into blackout last week after powerful winds compromised the urban power grid, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also caused significant transport delays at a major airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Severe damage to power systems is expected to cause ongoing problems as service providers work urgently to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Fog Blankets Typically Clear Region

At the same time, a valley known for its sunny weather and abundant sunlight has experienced one of its dullest and most overcast periods on record. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by unprecedented fall precipitation that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Record fall rains soaked the soil.
• Result: Extended and thick fog development.
• Effect: Thermal readings remained unseasonably low for an extended period.

Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

And in another country, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rainfall, powerful gales and even snow to a group of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the system brought some of the deepest accumulations 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 influence of the storm is forecast to diminish this week with more typical weather returning.