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Scorching conditions and intense wildfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures forecast to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been issued across much of the south-west.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Across the Region

These conditions follow this month's fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the destruction of homes and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have additionally been issued for later this week in areas within South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, delivering intense heat to a broad swath of the region.

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

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

In another part of the world, a metropolis was left in darkness last week after powerful gusts compromised the urban electrical network, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The weather conditions also caused significant travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Substantial damage to power systems is anticipated to create further problems as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Mist Covers Typically Clear Region

At the same time, a valley known for its sunny weather and abundant sunlight has endured one of its grayest and foggiest periods on record. A particular form of low cloud, which usually lasts for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping 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 fog has been driven by exceptional fall rainfall that left soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick fog development.
• Impact: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an lengthy period.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Holiday Destination

And in another country, a powerful storm has brought heavy rainfall, powerful gales and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this favored tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at elevated areas, the storm brought some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, fierce winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several locations. The influence of the weather event is expected to ease this week with more seasonal weather returning.