🔗 Share this article

Extreme heat and raging bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures forecast to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major heatwave warning has been issued across much of the south-west.

Broad Heatwave Warnings Across Multiple States

These conditions follow this month's bushfires in another state, which caused the loss of homes and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been activated for the coming days in areas within SA and NSW, as a system of atmospheric pressure moves eastward, delivering blazing sunshine to much of the region.

The mix of extremely dry land and relentless heat creates a volatile scenario for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was plunged into darkness recently after strong gusts compromised the city’s electrical network, with falling trees knocking out electricity cables. The weather conditions also led to significant transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Severe impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause further problems as utility companies work urgently to restore power to over 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Mist Covers Typically Clear Region

Meanwhile, a region famed for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A particular form of low cloud, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a key transport hub below 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn rainfall that left soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Record fall rains saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and thick fog formation.
• Impact: Temperatures remained below average for an lengthy period.

Storm Delivers Snow to Holiday Islands

And in another country, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rain, powerful gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this popular tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the storm brought some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its closure.

In addition to the snow, strong northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The effect of the storm is forecast to diminish this week with more typical conditions taking hold.