🔗 Share this article Bushfires Engulf WA as Temperatures Soar Extreme heat and raging bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the south-west. Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Throughout the Region These conditions follow recent bushfires in another state, which resulted in the destruction of homes and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have also been issued for the coming days in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure moves to the east, bringing blazing sunshine to much of the region. The combination of extremely dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures presents a volatile situation for emergency crews. Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos In another part of the world, a metropolis was left in darkness last week after strong gusts compromised the urban power grid, with falling trees knocking out electricity cables. The weather conditions also led to significant travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Substantial impact on power systems is anticipated to create further problems as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants. Atypical Fog Covers Sunny Area Meanwhile, a valley famed for its clear skies and plentiful sunlight has experienced one of its dullest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A specific type of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, holding temperatures at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by unprecedented autumn precipitation that left soils waterlogged. Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall soaked the soil. Result: Prolonged and dense fog development. Impact: Thermal readings remained unseasonably low for an lengthy period. Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Islands Turning to another country, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rainfall, strong gales and even snow to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular tourist spot. While snow is not unheard of at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, compelling its closure. Alongside the snowfall, strong northerly winds buffeted the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple locations. The effect of the storm is expected to ease this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.