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Scorching conditions and raging wildfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels expected to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the south-west.

Broad Heatwave Warnings Throughout the Region

These conditions follow this month's fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the destruction of homes and loss of life. Severe heat alerts have also been activated for the coming days in parts of South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure moves eastward, delivering blazing heat to much of the area.

The combination of extremely dry land and unbroken high temperatures creates a volatile situation for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into blackout recently after powerful gusts compromised the city’s power grid, with toppled trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused significant travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous flights were grounded. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to create further problems as service providers scramble to restore power to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Covers Sunny Area

Meanwhile, a region known for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has endured one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on record. A particular form of fog, which usually lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The prolonged haze has been fuelled by exceptional fall precipitation that left the ground waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Exceptional autumn rainfall saturated the soil.
• Result: Prolonged and thick mist formation.
• Impact: Thermal readings remained below average for an extended time.

Severe Weather Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

And in another country, a powerful storm has brought heavy rain, powerful gales and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not associate with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the storm brought some of the heaviest snow depths since 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snow, fierce winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph observed on several islands. The effect of the storm is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal conditions returning.