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Extreme heat and intense bushfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been declared across a large portion of the south-west.

Widespread Heatwave Warnings Across Multiple States

This situation follow recent fires in another state, which caused the destruction of homes and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have additionally been issued for later this week in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure moves to the east, delivering blazing heat to a broad swath of the area.

The combination of extremely dry vegetation and unbroken heat creates a volatile scenario for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

Elsewhere, a metropolis was left in blackout last week after powerful gusts damaged the urban electrical network, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also led to major travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous flights were grounded. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is anticipated to create further problems as utility companies work urgently to restore power to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Mist Covers Typically Clear Region

Meanwhile, a region famed for its clear skies and plentiful sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest periods on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a major airport below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended haze has been driven by exceptional autumn rainfall that left the ground saturated.

• Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall soaked the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and dense mist development.
• Effect: Temperatures remained below average for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Brings Snow to Holiday Islands

And in another country, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rain, strong winds and even snow to a set of islands – weather many would not connect with this favored holiday destination. While snow is not unheard of at elevated areas, the system brought some of the deepest snow depths since 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, strong winds from the north swept across the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several islands. The effect of the storm is expected to ease this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.