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Extreme heat and raging bushfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major heatwave warning has been declared across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Throughout Multiple States

These conditions follow this month's fires in another state, which caused the destruction of homes and loss of life. Severe heat alerts have additionally been issued for the coming days in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a system of atmospheric pressure moves eastward, bringing intense sunshine to a broad swath of the area.

The mix of extremely dry vegetation and unbroken high temperatures presents a dangerous situation for emergency crews.

Global Climatic Events Cause Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was plunged into darkness recently after powerful 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 grounded. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to cause further problems as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Mist Blankets Typically Clear Area

Meanwhile, a region known for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and most overcast periods on record. A specific type of fog, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a major airport below 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn precipitation that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record autumn rainfall saturated the ground.
• Outcome: Extended and thick mist formation.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed below average for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

And in Spain, a weather system has ushered in intense rain, powerful winds and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the storm brought some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, fierce northerly winds swept across the archipelago, with gusts exceeding 50mph observed on multiple locations. The effect of the storm is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal conditions taking hold.