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Scorching conditions and raging wildfires have swept through the dry 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 a large portion of the southwestern region.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Across the Region

This situation come after this month's fires in New South Wales, which caused the loss of properties and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have also been activated for later this week in areas within South Australia and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure moves to the east, bringing intense heat to much of the region.

The mix of extremely dry vegetation and relentless heat presents a volatile situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Climatic Events Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was left in blackout last week after strong gusts damaged the urban electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused major transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Severe impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to create further problems as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million residents.

Unusual Fog Blankets Typically Clear Region

Meanwhile, a valley famed for its clear skies and abundant sunlight has experienced one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A specific type of low cloud, which usually lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, keeping the mercury at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by unprecedented autumn rainfall that resulted in soils saturated.

• Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains saturated the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and dense mist development.
• Effect: Thermal readings remained unseasonably low for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Tourist Islands

And in another country, a weather system has ushered in intense rainfall, strong gales and even snow to a group of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While snow is not unheard of at higher ground, the system delivered some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snow, strong winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on several locations. The effect of the storm is expected to diminish this week with more seasonal conditions returning.