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Scorching conditions and intense bushfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels forecast to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the south-west.

Widespread Heatwave Warnings Across the Region

This situation follow this month's bushfires in another state, which caused the destruction of homes and fatalities. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for later this week in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a system of atmospheric pressure moves to the east, bringing intense heat to much of the region.

The mix of extremely dry land and unbroken heat creates a dangerous situation for emergency crews.

Worldwide Climatic Events Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into darkness recently after powerful winds compromised the urban power grid, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also led to major transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause further issues as service providers scramble to restore power to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Mist Blankets Typically Clear Region

At the same time, a region famed for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A specific type of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, holding the mercury at a major airport below 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The prolonged haze has been driven by unprecedented fall precipitation that left soils waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains soaked the ground.
• Result: Extended and dense mist formation.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed below average for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Holiday Islands

Turning to another country, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rain, powerful gales and even snow to a group of islands – weather many would not connect with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at higher ground, the system delivered some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its closure.

In addition to the snow, strong winds from the north swept across the island chain, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several locations. The effect of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more typical conditions taking hold.