🔗 Share this article Wildfires Engulf Western Australia as Thermal Readings Soar Extreme heat and raging wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures forecast to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been declared across a large portion of the southwestern region. Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Across the Region These conditions follow this month's fires in another state, which caused the loss of properties and fatalities. Severe heatwave warnings have also been activated for later this week in areas within SA and NSW, as a ridge of high pressure shifts eastward, bringing intense heat to a broad swath of the area. The combination of tinder-dry vegetation and relentless heat presents a volatile scenario for emergency crews. Global Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into darkness last week after strong winds damaged the urban power grid, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also led to major transport delays at a major airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Severe damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to cause ongoing problems as service providers work urgently to restore power to over 1 million residents. Unusual Mist Blankets Typically Clear Region Meanwhile, a region famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunlight has endured one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on record. A specific type of low cloud, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and persistent this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub below 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The prolonged haze has been driven by exceptional fall precipitation that resulted in soils saturated. Primary Driver: Record fall rains saturated the soil. Result: Prolonged and dense fog formation. Effect: Temperatures remained below average for an extended time. Storm Delivers Snow to Tourist Islands Turning to another country, a powerful storm has brought heavy rain, strong winds and even snowfall to a group of islands – conditions many would not associate with this popular holiday destination. While snow is not unknown at elevated areas, the system brought some of the heaviest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure. In addition to the snow, strong winds from the north swept across the island chain, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several islands. The effect of the storm is expected to diminish this week with more seasonal conditions taking hold.