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

Widespread Heatwave Alerts Across Multiple States

This situation follow recent fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of homes and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have additionally been issued for the coming days in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure shifts to the east, bringing intense sunshine to much of the region.

The combination of tinder-dry vegetation and relentless heat creates a volatile situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

In another part of the world, a metropolis was left in blackout last week after strong winds damaged the city’s electrical network, with toppled trees bringing down electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused significant transport delays at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Substantial impact on power systems is anticipated to create further issues as service providers work urgently to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Unusual Fog Blankets Sunny Area

Meanwhile, a region famed for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A particular form of low cloud, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, holding temperatures at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The extended haze has been driven by exceptional autumn rainfall that left the ground waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Exceptional autumn rainfall soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and dense fog formation.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed below average for an extended time.

Severe Weather Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

Turning to Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rainfall, strong gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored holiday destination. While snow is not unheard of at elevated areas, the system delivered some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

In addition to the snowfall, strong winds from the north buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on multiple locations. The effect of the weather event is expected to diminish this week with more typical weather returning.