🔗 Share this article

Extreme heat and raging wildfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures forecast to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major heatwave warning has been declared across much of the south-west.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Throughout the Region

These conditions come after this month's fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the destruction of homes and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have also been activated for the coming days in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure moves eastward, delivering intense sunshine to a broad swath of the area.

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

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a metropolis was plunged into blackout last week after powerful winds compromised the city’s electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also led to major travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Substantial impact on power systems is anticipated to create ongoing problems as utility companies scramble to restore power to over 1 million residents.

Unusual Fog Blankets Sunny Region

At the same time, a region known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on record. A particular form of fog, which typically lasts for only a few days, has been unusually widespread and long-lasting this year, keeping the mercury at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by exceptional fall rainfall that left the ground saturated.

• Key Factor: Exceptional autumn rainfall soaked the soil.
• Result: Prolonged and dense fog formation.
• Impact: Thermal readings remained unseasonably low for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Brings Snow to Holiday Islands

Turning to another country, a weather system has brought intense rain, powerful gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – conditions many would not associate with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the system brought some of the deepest snow depths since 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snowfall, strong winds from the north swept across the island chain, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several locations. The effect of the weather event is expected to ease this week with more seasonal conditions returning.