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Scorching conditions and intense bushfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures forecast to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the south-west.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Across the Region

These conditions come after recent fires in New South Wales, which caused the destruction of homes and fatalities. Severe heatwave warnings have also been activated for the coming days in areas within South Australia and New South Wales, as a system of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, bringing blazing sunshine to much of the area.

The combination of extremely dry land and relentless high temperatures creates a volatile scenario for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into blackout last week after strong winds damaged the city’s electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also led to major transport delays at a major airport, where numerous air services were grounded. Severe damage to power systems is expected to create further issues as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Covers Sunny Area

At the same time, a valley famed for its clear skies and abundant sunlight has endured one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably widespread and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by exceptional autumn rainfall that left soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains saturated the ground.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick mist formation.
• Impact: Temperatures remained below average for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Tourist Islands

And in Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rain, powerful winds and even snowfall to a group of islands – weather many would not connect with this favored tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the storm delivered some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snowfall, fierce northerly winds swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on multiple locations. The effect of the weather event is expected to ease this week with more seasonal conditions returning.