Bushfires Engulf Western Australia as Thermal Readings Soar

Extreme heat and intense bushfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures forecast to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major heatwave warning has been declared across a large portion of the south-west.

Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Throughout Multiple States

These conditions come after recent bushfires in another state, which caused the destruction of properties and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have also been activated for the coming days in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a system of atmospheric pressure shifts eastward, delivering blazing heat to much of the area.

The mix of extremely dry vegetation and unbroken high temperatures presents a dangerous situation for emergency crews.

Worldwide Climatic Events Cause Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was plunged into darkness last week after powerful winds damaged the urban electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused major transport delays at a major airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Substantial damage to power systems is expected to cause ongoing issues as utility companies scramble to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Unusual Mist Covers Typically Clear Area

At the same time, 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 typically lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a major airport under 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The prolonged haze has been fuelled by exceptional autumn rainfall that resulted in soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains soaked the soil.
• Result: Extended and thick fog development.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an lengthy period.

Storm Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

And in another country, a powerful storm has brought heavy rain, powerful winds and even snow to a group of islands – conditions many would not connect with this favored tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at elevated areas, the storm brought some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a national park, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snow, strong winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on multiple islands. The influence of the storm is expected to ease this week with more typical weather taking hold.