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Extreme heat and raging wildfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Heatwave Alerts Throughout Multiple States

These conditions come after recent bushfires in another state, which resulted in the loss of homes and loss of life. Intense heat alerts have also been issued for later this week in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure moves eastward, bringing blazing heat to a broad swath of the region.

The mix of tinder-dry land and unbroken heat creates a volatile scenario for firefighters.

Global Climatic Events Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was left in blackout last week after strong winds damaged the city’s electrical network, with toppled trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused significant transport delays at a key airport, where numerous air services were grounded. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to cause further issues as service providers work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Unusual Mist Blankets Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a valley known for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and most overcast weeks on recorded history. A specific type of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been unusually widespread and long-lasting this year, keeping the mercury at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The extended haze has been driven by unprecedented autumn precipitation that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall soaked the soil.
• Result: Prolonged and thick fog development.
• Effect: Temperatures remained unseasonably low for an lengthy period.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

And in another country, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rainfall, strong gales and even snow to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at higher ground, the system delivered some of the deepest snow depths since 2016 to a protected area, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snow, fierce winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on several locations. The effect of the storm is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal conditions taking hold.