🔗 Share this article Wildfires Ravage WA as Thermal Readings Soar Extreme heat and intense bushfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures forecast to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe heatwave warning has been issued across a large portion of the southwestern region. Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout Multiple States This situation come after this month's bushfires in another state, which caused the destruction of homes and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been activated for later this week in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a system of atmospheric pressure shifts eastward, bringing intense heat to much of the area. The mix of tinder-dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures presents a dangerous situation for emergency crews. Worldwide 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 transport delays at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Severe damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to create ongoing problems as service providers work urgently to restore power to over 1 million inhabitants. Unusual Mist Covers Typically Clear Region Meanwhile, a region famed for its sunny weather and abundant sunlight has experienced one of its grayest and most overcast periods on record. A specific type of low cloud, which usually lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a major airport below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn rainfall that resulted in the ground waterlogged. Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall saturated the soil. Result: Extended and dense fog development. Impact: Thermal readings stayed below average for an lengthy period. Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Tourist Destination Turning to another country, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rain, strong winds and even snowfall to a group of islands – conditions many would not associate with this favored holiday destination. While snow is not unheard of at elevated areas, the system delivered some of the heaviest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its temporary shutdown. Alongside the snow, strong northerly winds swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple islands. The influence of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more typical weather taking hold.