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Extreme heat and intense bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Across Multiple States

These conditions follow recent bushfires in another state, which resulted in the loss of properties and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have also been issued for the coming days in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure shifts eastward, bringing intense heat to a broad swath of the area.

The mix of tinder-dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures presents a dangerous situation for emergency crews.

Worldwide Climatic Events Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into darkness recently after strong winds damaged the city’s electrical network, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also caused major transport delays at a key airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Substantial damage to power systems is expected to create ongoing problems as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Fog Blankets Sunny Region

At the same time, a region known for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has endured one of its dullest and foggiest periods on record. A specific type of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The prolonged haze has been driven by unprecedented fall rainfall that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional autumn rainfall soaked the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and thick mist formation.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed below average for an extended time.

Severe Weather Brings Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

Turning to another country, a powerful storm has brought intense rain, powerful winds and even snow to a group of islands – conditions many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While snow is not unknown at elevated areas, the system delivered some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snowfall, strong winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple islands. The effect of the weather event is expected to diminish this week with more seasonal conditions returning.