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Extreme heat and intense bushfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been issued across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Heatwave Alerts Across Multiple States

This situation follow this month's fires in another state, which resulted in the destruction of homes and loss of life. Intense heatwave warnings have also been activated for later this week in areas within SA and NSW, as a ridge of high pressure shifts eastward, delivering intense sunshine to much of the region.

The mix of extremely dry land and relentless heat presents a volatile situation for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was left in darkness recently after strong winds compromised the city’s electrical network, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also caused significant travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous air services were grounded. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause further issues as utility companies work urgently to restore power to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Mist Covers Sunny Area

At the same time, a region known for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on record. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, holding temperatures at a major airport below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by exceptional fall rainfall that resulted in the ground saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains soaked the soil.
• Result: Extended and thick mist development.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed below average for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

Turning to another country, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rain, powerful winds and even snowfall to a group of islands – conditions many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the system brought some of the deepest snow depths since 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, strong northerly winds swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple locations. The influence of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.