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Extreme heat and intense bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures forecast to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe heatwave warning has been issued across much of the southwestern region.

Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout the Region

These conditions come after this month's fires in another state, which resulted in the loss of homes and loss of life. Intense heatwave warnings have additionally been activated for the coming days in areas within South Australia and NSW, as a system of atmospheric pressure shifts eastward, bringing blazing sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

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

Worldwide Climatic Events Trigger Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was plunged into darkness last week after powerful gusts compromised the urban electrical network, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also caused significant transport delays at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Severe impact on power systems is expected to create further problems as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million residents.

Atypical Mist Blankets Sunny Region

Meanwhile, a valley famed for its sunny weather and abundant sunlight has experienced one of its grayest and most overcast weeks on record. A specific type of fog, which usually lasts for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, keeping temperatures at a major airport below 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged haze has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn rainfall that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains saturated the soil.
• Result: Prolonged and dense fog development.
• Effect: Thermal readings remained below average for an lengthy time.

Storm Brings Snow to Holiday Destination

Turning to another country, a weather system has brought heavy rainfall, powerful gales and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While snow is not unheard of at higher ground, the system delivered some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snow, fierce northerly winds buffeted the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph observed on multiple islands. The influence of the storm is expected to ease this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.