Wildfires Engulf WA as Thermal Readings Skyrocket

Extreme heat and intense bushfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels forecast to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout the Region

This situation come after recent bushfires in New South Wales, which resulted in the destruction of homes and loss of life. Intense heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for later this week in parts of SA and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure moves to the east, delivering intense heat to a broad swath of the area.

The mix of tinder-dry land and unbroken heat creates a volatile situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Climatic Events Cause Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was left in darkness last week after strong gusts damaged the city’s power grid, with falling trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also led to major travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to create ongoing issues as service providers scramble to restore power to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Mist Covers Sunny Region

At the same time, a region known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunlight has endured one of its grayest and foggiest periods on record. A specific type of fog, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a major airport under 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn rainfall that left soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains saturated the ground.
• Result: Extended and dense mist formation.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an extended period.

Severe Weather Brings Snow to Holiday Destination

Turning to another country, a powerful storm has brought intense rainfall, powerful gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – conditions many would not connect with this popular tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the heaviest snow depths in 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

In addition to the snow, fierce winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The influence of the storm is expected to ease this week with more typical conditions returning.