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

Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Throughout Multiple States

These conditions follow this month's fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the destruction of homes and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have also been issued for the coming days in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a system of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, delivering intense heat to a broad swath of the area.

The mix of tinder-dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures creates a dangerous situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was left in darkness last week after strong gusts damaged the urban power grid, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also led to major transport delays at a key airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Substantial damage to power systems is anticipated to cause further issues as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Mist Covers Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a region famed for its clear skies and plentiful sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and most overcast weeks on record. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been unusually widespread and persistent this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The extended haze has been driven by exceptional fall precipitation that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional autumn rainfall soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and dense mist development.
• Impact: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an extended period.

Storm Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

And in another country, a weather system has ushered in heavy rainfall, powerful gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not connect with this popular tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the system delivered some of the heaviest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snow, fierce northerly winds buffeted the island chain, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several islands. The effect of the storm is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal conditions returning.