Last week, Western Australia experienced a brief but intense heatwave. Perth, the state’s capital, saw temperatures soar to 41.9°C (107.4°F) on Wednesday, 42.7°C on Thursday, and 40.4°C on Friday.
Although it is summer in Australia, these three consecutive days of temperatures above 40°C represent a significant deviation from the seasonal average of around 31.5°C.
By the weekend, temperatures cooled to the mid-to high-20s, more in line with the seasonal norms. However, the heat is expected to return, with temperatures likely exceeding 40°C from Thursday to Saturday before easing on Sunday.
Nighttime lows during this upcoming heatwave are expected to be around 25°C, similar to the highs seen over the previous weekend.
In contrast, South Korea and Japan are bracing for heavy snowfall early this week. A low-pressure system moving northeast across the Korean Peninsula and the Sea of Japan began bringing rain, sleet, and snow on Sunday night.
Initially, South Korea’s southern islands will see rain, with up to 80mm predicted for Jeju Island on Monday. As the system advances inland, snowfall is expected, with Gyeongbuk and Gangwon provinces potentially receiving up to 20cm of snow.
This weather system will also affect Japan, starting with rain and transitioning to snow as it moves inland.
The Kanto-Koshin region may experience up to 30cm of snow in 24 hours, leading to possible travel disruptions. Additional snow showers are expected from the Sea of Japan on Wednesday.
Southern California will face its weather challenges early this week, with heavy rain expected overnight and throughout Monday. Areas from Santa Barbara to San Diego could see over 100mm of rain in 24 hours, leading to potential disruptions.