Wildfires Ravage WA as Temperatures Skyrocket

Scorching conditions and raging wildfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures expected to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Widespread Heatwave Warnings Throughout Multiple States

This situation follow this month's fires in another state, which resulted in the destruction of properties and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have additionally been activated for the coming days in parts of South Australia and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure moves eastward, bringing intense heat to a broad swath of the region.

The mix of tinder-dry vegetation and unbroken high temperatures presents a volatile situation for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was plunged into blackout last week after strong gusts compromised the urban electrical network, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also led to major travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous flights were cancelled. Substantial damage to power systems is anticipated to create further issues as service providers scramble to restore power to over 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Mist Blankets Sunny Region

Meanwhile, a valley known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its dullest and foggiest periods on recorded history. A specific type of low cloud, which typically lasts for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, holding temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The extended fog has been fuelled by exceptional fall precipitation that left the ground saturated.

• Key Factor: Exceptional autumn rainfall soaked the ground.
• Result: Extended and dense fog development.
• Impact: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an extended time.

Severe Weather Brings Wintry Weather to Tourist Destination

Turning to another country, a weather system has brought intense rain, strong gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular holiday destination. While snow is not unknown at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snow, fierce northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on multiple locations. The effect of the storm is forecast to diminish this week with more seasonal conditions taking hold.