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Scorching conditions and intense bushfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels forecast to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major heatwave warning has been issued across a large portion of the south-west.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Across Multiple States

This situation follow recent fires in another state, which caused the loss of homes and fatalities. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for later this week in areas within South Australia and New South Wales, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts eastward, delivering intense sunshine to much of the area.

The mix of extremely dry land and relentless heat presents a dangerous scenario for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

In another part of the world, a metropolis was left in blackout last week after powerful gusts compromised the urban electrical network, with falling trees knocking out electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused significant travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Severe damage to electrical infrastructure is anticipated to create further problems as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Fog Blankets Sunny Region

Meanwhile, a region famed for its clear skies and abundant sunlight has endured one of its grayest and most overcast weeks on recorded history. A particular form of low cloud, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended fog has been driven by exceptional autumn rainfall that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains soaked the ground.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick fog development.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

And in another country, a weather system has ushered in heavy rainfall, strong winds and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this popular tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at higher ground, the storm delivered some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, strong northerly winds buffeted the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several locations. The influence of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more typical conditions taking hold.