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Extreme heat and intense wildfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe heatwave warning has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Throughout the Region

This situation follow this month's bushfires in another state, which resulted in the destruction of properties and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have additionally been issued for the coming days in areas within SA and NSW, as a system of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, bringing intense heat to a broad swath of the region.

The combination of tinder-dry land and relentless heat creates a dangerous situation for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was plunged into darkness last week after strong winds compromised the urban power grid, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also led to major travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Severe damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to create further problems as service providers scramble to restore power to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Mist Blankets Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a valley known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its grayest and most overcast weeks on recorded history. A specific type of fog, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably widespread and persistent this year, keeping temperatures at a major airport below 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by exceptional fall rainfall that left the ground waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains saturated the ground.
• Outcome: Extended and thick mist formation.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an extended time.

Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Islands

And in another country, a weather system has ushered in intense rainfall, strong gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not connect with this popular tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at higher ground, the storm delivered some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snow, strong winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph observed on multiple locations. The effect of the storm is expected to ease this week with more typical conditions returning.