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Extreme heat and raging bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe heatwave warning has been declared across a large portion of the south-west.

Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Across the Region

This situation follow recent fires in another state, which resulted in the loss of properties and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have also been activated for the coming days in areas within SA and NSW, as a system of high pressure shifts to the east, bringing blazing sunshine to much of the region.

The combination of extremely dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures creates a volatile situation for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was left in darkness recently after powerful winds compromised the city’s power grid, with falling trees bringing down electricity cables. The stormy weather also led to significant transport delays at a major airport, where numerous flights were grounded. Substantial impact on power systems is anticipated to cause further problems as service providers scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Fog Covers Sunny Region

At the same time, a valley known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has experienced one of its grayest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub below 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The prolonged haze has been driven by exceptional fall precipitation that left the ground saturated.

• Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains soaked the soil.
• Result: Prolonged and dense fog development.
• Impact: Thermal readings stayed below average for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

Turning to Spain, a weather system has ushered in heavy rainfall, powerful gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – conditions many would not associate with this popular holiday destination. While snow is not unheard of at higher ground, the storm brought some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snowfall, strong northerly winds swept across the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several islands. The influence of the weather event is expected to ease this week with more seasonal conditions returning.