Wildfires Engulf WA as Temperatures Skyrocket

Extreme heat and intense wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major heatwave warning has been issued across a large portion of the south-west.

Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Across Multiple States

These conditions follow recent bushfires in another state, which resulted in the loss of properties and fatalities. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for later this week in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure moves to the east, bringing intense heat to a broad swath of the area.

The mix of tinder-dry vegetation and unbroken heat creates a dangerous situation for emergency crews.

Global Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

Elsewhere, a metropolis was left in darkness recently after powerful winds damaged the urban electrical network, with falling trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also led to major travel disruption at a major airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Severe damage to power systems is anticipated to cause ongoing problems as utility companies work urgently to restore power to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Mist Blankets Typically Clear Region

At the same time, a valley known for its clear skies and plentiful sunlight has endured one of its grayest and foggiest periods on recorded history. A specific type of low cloud, which usually lasts for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and persistent 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 haze has been driven by unprecedented fall rainfall that left soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains soaked the ground.
• Outcome: Prolonged and dense fog development.
• Effect: Thermal readings remained unseasonably low for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

And in another country, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rain, strong gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snowfall, strong northerly winds swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several islands. The effect of the storm is expected to ease this week with more typical conditions returning.