Bushfires Engulf Western Australia as Thermal Readings Skyrocket

Extreme heat and raging wildfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures forecast to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe heatwave warning has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Heatwave Warnings Throughout Multiple States

This situation come after this month's fires in New South Wales, which caused the loss of properties and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have also been issued for later this week in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure moves to the east, bringing intense sunshine to much of the area.

The mix of extremely dry land and unbroken heat creates a dangerous situation for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was left in darkness recently after powerful winds damaged the city’s electrical network, with toppled trees bringing down power lines. The weather conditions also caused major travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Substantial impact on power systems is expected to create ongoing issues as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Fog Blankets Typically Clear Region

At the same time, a valley famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and most overcast periods on record. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a major airport below 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The extended haze has been driven by exceptional autumn rainfall that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains saturated the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and dense fog development.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an lengthy period.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

Turning to another country, a powerful storm has brought heavy rainfall, strong gales and even snow to a group of islands – conditions many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the system brought some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snow, fierce winds from the north swept across the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on several locations. The influence of the storm is expected to diminish this week with more typical weather returning.