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Extreme heat and raging bushfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the south-west.

Widespread Heatwave Warnings Throughout the Region

This situation follow recent bushfires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of homes and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have also been issued for later this week in areas within SA and NSW, as a ridge of high pressure shifts eastward, bringing blazing heat to much of the region.

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

Global Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

Elsewhere, a major city was left in darkness recently after strong winds compromised the city’s power grid, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also caused significant transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Substantial impact on power systems is expected to cause ongoing problems as service providers work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Covers Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a region famed for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting this year, holding temperatures 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 exceptional fall rainfall that left soils saturated.

• Key Factor: Record autumn rainfall saturated the soil.
• Result: Prolonged and thick fog formation.
• Impact: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Holiday Islands

And in Spain, a weather system has brought heavy rain, strong gales and even snow to a group of islands – weather many would not connect with this popular tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at higher ground, the system brought some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snowfall, fierce northerly winds swept across the archipelago, with gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several islands. The effect of the storm is expected to diminish this week with more seasonal conditions returning.