🔗 Share this article Wildfires Ravage Western Australia as Temperatures Skyrocket Scorching conditions and raging bushfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels forecast to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the southwestern region. Broad Heatwave Alerts Throughout Multiple States These conditions follow recent fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of homes and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have also been issued for the coming days in parts of South Australia and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure shifts to the east, delivering blazing heat to much of the region. The mix of extremely dry vegetation and unbroken heat presents a volatile scenario for emergency crews. Global Climatic Events Trigger Chaos In another part of the world, a metropolis was left in blackout recently after strong gusts compromised the city’s electrical network, with falling trees knocking out electricity cables. The weather conditions also led to major transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to cause ongoing issues as service providers scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants. Atypical Mist Covers Sunny Area Meanwhile, a valley famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunlight has experienced one of its grayest and most overcast weeks on record. A particular form of fog, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting this year, holding temperatures at a major airport under 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by unprecedented autumn rainfall that left soils waterlogged. Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains soaked the ground. Outcome: Prolonged and dense fog formation. Effect: Temperatures stayed below average for an extended period. Storm Delivers Snow to Tourist Islands And in another country, a weather system has ushered in heavy rain, powerful winds and even snowfall to a group of islands – conditions many would not connect with this favored tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at higher ground, the system brought some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its temporary shutdown. Alongside the snowfall, fierce winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on several islands. The influence of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more typical conditions taking hold.