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Scorching conditions and intense wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels expected to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been declared across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout the Region

These conditions come after this month's bushfires in New South Wales, which caused the destruction of homes and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been activated for the coming days in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure moves to the east, bringing blazing heat to much of the area.

The mix of extremely dry vegetation and relentless heat creates a volatile scenario for emergency crews.

Global Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into darkness last week after powerful gusts damaged the urban power grid, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The weather conditions also caused significant travel disruption at a major airport, where numerous flights were cancelled. Substantial damage to power systems is expected to cause ongoing problems as service providers work urgently to restore power to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Mist Blankets Typically Clear Area

Meanwhile, a valley known for its sunny weather and abundant sunlight has experienced one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A specific type of fog, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been unusually widespread and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by exceptional fall rainfall that left the ground waterlogged.

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

Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

Turning to another country, a weather system has ushered in intense rainfall, powerful winds and even snowfall to a set of islands – conditions many would not associate with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at higher ground, the system brought some of the heaviest snow depths since 2016 to a national park, forcing its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snowfall, strong winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple locations. The influence of the storm is expected to diminish this week with more seasonal conditions returning.