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Scorching conditions and intense bushfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major heatwave warning has been issued across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Widespread Heatwave Alerts Across the Region

This situation come after recent fires in another state, which resulted in the destruction of homes and loss of life. Severe heat alerts have additionally been issued for later this week in parts of SA and NSW, as a system of high pressure shifts to the east, bringing intense sunshine to much of the region.

The mix of extremely dry land and relentless heat creates a volatile situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

In another part of the world, a metropolis was left in blackout last week after powerful gusts damaged the city’s electrical network, with falling trees bringing down electricity cables. The stormy weather also led to major travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Substantial damage to power systems is expected to create ongoing issues as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Mist Blankets Sunny Region

At the same time, a valley known for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has endured one of its grayest and most overcast periods on record. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by unprecedented fall rainfall that left soils saturated.

• Key Factor: Exceptional autumn rainfall soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick fog development.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed below average for an extended period.

Storm Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Destination

And in Spain, a powerful storm has brought intense rainfall, powerful winds and even snow to a group of islands – conditions many would not connect with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snow, fierce winds from the north swept across the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on multiple locations. The influence of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more typical conditions returning.