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Scorching conditions and intense wildfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels expected to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe heatwave warning has been issued across a large portion of the south-west.

Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Across the Region

These conditions follow recent bushfires in another state, which caused the loss of homes and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have additionally been activated for the coming days in areas within South Australia and New South Wales, as a system of atmospheric pressure moves to the east, delivering intense sunshine to much of the area.

The combination of tinder-dry vegetation and unbroken high temperatures presents a volatile situation for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into blackout last week after powerful gusts damaged the urban electrical network, with falling trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused significant travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Severe impact on power systems is anticipated to cause ongoing issues as service providers work urgently to restore power to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Fog Blankets Sunny Region

At the same time, a region known for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has endured one of its dullest and foggiest periods on recorded history. A specific type of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a short time, has been unusually widespread and persistent this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended fog has been driven by unprecedented fall precipitation that left the ground waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains saturated the ground.
• Outcome: Extended and thick mist development.
• Effect: Thermal readings remained unseasonably low for an lengthy period.

Severe Weather Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Islands

Turning to Spain, a weather system has brought heavy rain, strong winds and even snow to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored holiday destination. While snow is not unknown at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure.

Alongside the snow, fierce winds from the north swept across the island chain, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple locations. The influence of the storm is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal conditions returning.