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Extreme heat and raging bushfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been issued across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Across Multiple States

These conditions come after recent bushfires in another state, which resulted in the destruction of homes and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have also been issued for later this week in areas within SA and NSW, as a system of high pressure shifts to the east, bringing blazing heat to much of the region.

The combination of tinder-dry vegetation and unbroken high temperatures creates a volatile scenario for firefighters.

Worldwide Climatic Events Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was plunged into blackout recently after strong winds compromised the city’s power grid, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also led to significant travel disruption at a major airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to create further problems as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Unusual Fog Covers Typically Clear Region

Meanwhile, a valley famed for its clear skies and abundant sunlight has endured one of its grayest and most overcast weeks on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a major airport below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended fog has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn rainfall that left the ground saturated.

• Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains soaked the ground.
• Outcome: Extended and thick fog development.
• Effect: Thermal readings remained unseasonably low for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

And in Spain, a powerful storm has brought intense rain, strong gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – conditions many would not associate with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the system brought some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snow, strong winds from the north buffeted the archipelago, with gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several islands. The effect of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more typical conditions returning.