Wildfires Engulf WA as Thermal Readings Soar

Scorching conditions and raging bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major heatwave warning has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Heatwave Warnings Throughout the Region

This situation come after recent fires in New South Wales, which caused the destruction of properties and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have also been activated for the coming days in areas within South Australia and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure shifts eastward, bringing blazing sunshine to much of the area.

The combination of tinder-dry land and unbroken high temperatures presents a dangerous situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was left in darkness recently after strong gusts damaged the city’s power grid, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also led to significant transport delays at a key airport, where numerous flights were cancelled. Severe damage to electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause further problems as service providers work urgently to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Fog Blankets Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a valley famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest periods on record. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by exceptional fall precipitation that left soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall soaked the ground.
• Result: Extended and dense fog formation.
• Impact: Thermal readings stayed below average for an lengthy time.

Storm Brings Snow to Tourist Destination

And in another country, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rain, strong gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the system delivered some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, fierce winds from the north swept across the island chain, with wind gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple locations. The effect of the storm is forecast to diminish this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.