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Extreme heat and intense wildfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Throughout Multiple States

These conditions come after this month's fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of homes and fatalities. Intense heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for the coming days in parts of South Australia and New South Wales, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts eastward, delivering blazing heat to a broad swath of the area.

The mix of extremely dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures presents a volatile situation for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into blackout last week after strong winds damaged the city’s electrical network, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also led to major transport delays at a key airport, where numerous flights were cancelled. Severe impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to cause further problems as service providers work urgently to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Mist Covers Typically Clear Region

At the same time, a valley known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunlight has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest periods on record. A particular form 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 major airport below 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The extended fog has been driven by exceptional autumn rainfall that left soils waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional autumn rainfall saturated the ground.
• Outcome: Prolonged and dense mist formation.
• Impact: Temperatures stayed below average for an lengthy period.

Storm Brings Snow to Holiday Destination

Turning to another country, a weather system has ushered in intense rainfall, strong gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – conditions many would not associate with this popular tourist spot. While snow is not unheard of at higher ground, the system brought some of the deepest accumulations since 2016 to a national park, compelling its closure.

Alongside the snow, fierce winds from the north swept across the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on several locations. The effect of the storm is expected to diminish this week with more typical weather taking hold.