🔗 Share this article

Extreme heat and intense wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures forecast to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major heatwave warning has been issued across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Across Multiple States

These conditions follow this month's bushfires 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 areas within South Australia and NSW, as a system of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, bringing intense heat to much of the region.

The mix of tinder-dry vegetation and unbroken high temperatures presents a volatile scenario for firefighters.

Worldwide Climatic Events Cause Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was plunged into blackout recently after strong gusts compromised the urban electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also led to significant travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to cause ongoing problems as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Fog Blankets Sunny Area

At the same time, a valley known for its sunny weather and abundant sunlight has endured one of its dullest and most overcast weeks on record. A particular form of low cloud, which usually lasts for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a major airport under 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended fog has been driven by exceptional fall rainfall that resulted in soils saturated.

• Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains soaked the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and thick fog development.
• Effect: Temperatures remained unseasonably low for an extended period.

Storm Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Destination

Turning to another country, a weather system has ushered in intense rain, powerful gales and even snow to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored holiday destination. While snow is not unheard of at higher ground, the storm brought some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, forcing its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snow, fierce winds from the north buffeted the archipelago, with gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several locations. The effect of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more seasonal weather returning.