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Scorching conditions and intense wildfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels forecast to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major heatwave warning has been issued across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Across the Region

This situation follow recent bushfires in another state, which resulted in the destruction of properties and fatalities. Intense heatwave warnings have additionally been activated for later this week in parts of SA and NSW, as a ridge of high pressure moves to the east, bringing intense heat to a broad swath of the region.

The mix of extremely dry land and unbroken heat presents a volatile scenario for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

Elsewhere, a major city was left in darkness recently after powerful winds damaged the urban electrical network, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The weather conditions also caused significant travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to create ongoing problems as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Fog Blankets Sunny Area

Meanwhile, a region known for its clear skies and plentiful sunlight has endured one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by unprecedented fall precipitation that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains soaked the ground.
• Outcome: Extended and dense fog formation.
• Effect: Thermal readings remained below average for an lengthy time.

Storm Brings Snow to Tourist Destination

And in another country, a weather system has brought intense rain, strong gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – weather many would not connect with this favored tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at elevated areas, the system delivered some of the heaviest snow depths since 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snowfall, strong winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several islands. The influence of the storm is expected to diminish this week with more seasonal conditions returning.