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Scorching conditions and intense wildfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe heatwave warning has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Heatwave Alerts Across the Region

These conditions follow this month's fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of homes and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have also been activated for the coming days in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure shifts to the east, delivering blazing sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

The combination of tinder-dry vegetation and unbroken heat creates a dangerous scenario for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was left in darkness recently after powerful gusts compromised the urban electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused significant transport delays at a key airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Substantial impact on power systems is anticipated to create further problems as service providers scramble to restore power to over 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Mist Blankets Sunny Region

Meanwhile, a region famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunlight has endured one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on record. A specific type of fog, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been unusually widespread and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub under 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by exceptional fall precipitation that left the ground waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and dense mist formation.
• Impact: Thermal readings remained below average for an lengthy time.

Storm Brings Snow to Tourist Islands

And in another country, a weather system has brought heavy rain, powerful winds and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at higher ground, the system delivered some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, strong winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with gusts exceeding 50mph observed on multiple islands. The effect of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.