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Extreme heat and raging wildfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major heatwave warning has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Across Multiple States

This situation follow this month's fires in New South Wales, which caused the destruction of homes and fatalities. Intense heatwave warnings have additionally been activated for later this week in areas within South Australia and NSW, as a system of high pressure moves eastward, delivering blazing heat to much of the region.

The mix of extremely dry vegetation and unbroken heat creates a dangerous situation for firefighters.

Global Climatic Events Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was plunged into blackout recently after strong winds damaged the urban power grid, with falling trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused significant travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Substantial impact on power systems is anticipated to cause further issues as utility companies scramble to restore power to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Covers Sunny Area

At the same time, a valley known for its clear skies and abundant sunlight has endured one of its dullest and most overcast periods on record. A particular form of low cloud, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and persistent this year, keeping temperatures at a major airport below 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended haze has been driven by unprecedented autumn precipitation that resulted in soils saturated.

• Key Factor: Record autumn rainfall soaked the soil.
• Result: Extended and thick mist development.
• Effect: Temperatures remained unseasonably low for an lengthy period.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Islands

And in another country, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rainfall, strong gales and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this favored tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the storm brought some of the heaviest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snow, fierce northerly winds swept across the archipelago, with gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The influence of the storm is forecast to diminish this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.