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Extreme heat and raging bushfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels forecast to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe heatwave warning has been issued across much of the south-west.

Widespread Heatwave Alerts Across the Region

This situation come after this month's bushfires in another state, which resulted in the destruction of homes and loss of life. Intense heat alerts have also been activated for later this week in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure shifts eastward, bringing intense sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

The combination of extremely dry land and relentless high temperatures presents a volatile situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

Elsewhere, a major city was left in blackout last week after strong gusts damaged the urban power grid, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also led to major travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Substantial damage to power systems is expected to create further issues as utility companies scramble to restore power to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Fog Blankets Sunny Region

At the same time, a region famed for its sunny weather and abundant sunlight has endured one of its dullest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A specific type of low cloud, which typically 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 most prolonged period in more than three decades. The extended haze has been driven by unprecedented fall precipitation that left soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall saturated the ground.
• Result: Extended and thick mist formation.
• Impact: Temperatures remained below average for an lengthy period.

Severe Weather Brings Snow to Holiday Islands

Turning to another country, a weather system has ushered in intense rain, strong winds and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this favored tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the deepest snow depths since 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snow, strong northerly winds swept across the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple locations. The influence of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal conditions taking hold.