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Extreme heat and intense wildfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected 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 Heatwave Alerts Across Multiple States

This situation come after this month's fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of properties and loss of life. Severe heat alerts have also been issued for later this week in areas within SA and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, bringing blazing sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

The combination of tinder-dry land and unbroken heat creates a volatile scenario for emergency crews.

Global Climatic Events Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a metropolis was left in blackout recently after strong gusts compromised the city’s power grid, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also caused major travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous flights were cancelled. Severe impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to cause further issues as utility companies work urgently to restore power to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Mist Covers Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a valley known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its dullest and most overcast weeks on record. A specific type of low cloud, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by exceptional fall rainfall that left the ground saturated.

• Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and thick fog formation.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an extended time.

Storm Delivers Snow to Holiday Destination

Turning to another country, a weather system has brought heavy rain, strong gales and even snow to a group of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the system brought some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, fierce northerly winds swept across the island chain, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The influence of the storm is expected to diminish this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.