Wildfires Engulf WA as Temperatures Skyrocket

Extreme heat and raging wildfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures forecast to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Heatwave Alerts Across the Region

These conditions follow recent fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of properties and loss of life. Intense heat alerts have additionally been issued for the coming days in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure shifts eastward, bringing intense heat to much of the region.

The combination of tinder-dry land and unbroken heat presents a dangerous scenario for firefighters.

Global Climatic Events Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was plunged into blackout recently after powerful gusts damaged the city’s electrical network, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also caused significant travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Substantial damage to power systems is expected to create ongoing problems as utility companies work urgently to restore power to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Blankets Sunny Area

At the same time, a valley famed for its clear skies and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its grayest and foggiest periods on recorded history. A specific type of fog, which typically lasts for only a few days, has been unusually widespread and persistent this year, keeping temperatures at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended fog has been driven by exceptional autumn precipitation that resulted in soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick fog formation.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed below average for an lengthy period.

Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

And in another country, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rain, strong winds and even snowfall to a group of islands – conditions many would not connect with this favored holiday destination. While snow is not unheard of at higher ground, the system delivered some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure.

Alongside the snow, fierce winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several locations. The effect of the storm is expected to ease this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.