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Scorching conditions and intense bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major alert for extreme heat has been declared across a large portion of the south-west.

Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Across Multiple States

These conditions follow this month's 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 ridge of high pressure moves eastward, bringing intense sunshine to a broad swath of the area.

The combination of extremely dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures presents a volatile scenario for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was left in darkness recently after powerful winds compromised the urban electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused major travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Severe impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to cause further issues as service providers scramble to restore power to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Fog Blankets Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a region famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has experienced one of its grayest and most overcast periods on record. A specific type of low cloud, which usually lasts for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, keeping temperatures at a major airport under 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The extended fog has been driven by unprecedented fall precipitation that resulted in soils saturated.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains saturated the ground.
• Outcome: Extended and dense fog formation.
• Impact: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Tourist Islands

Turning to another country, a weather system has brought heavy rain, strong gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – weather many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the system brought some of the deepest accumulations since 2016 to a protected area, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, fierce northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on several locations. The influence of the storm is expected to diminish this week with more seasonal weather returning.