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Extreme heat and raging bushfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels forecast to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Throughout the Region

This situation follow recent fires in another state, which resulted in the destruction of properties and loss of life. Intense heatwave warnings have also been activated for later this week in areas within South Australia and New South Wales, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure moves eastward, bringing blazing heat to a broad swath of the area.

The combination of extremely dry land and relentless high temperatures presents a dangerous scenario for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was plunged into blackout recently after powerful winds compromised the urban power grid, with toppled trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also led to significant travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Severe impact on power systems is expected to cause further issues as utility companies scramble to restore power to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Mist Blankets Sunny Area

Meanwhile, a region known for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has endured one of its dullest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A particular form of low cloud, which usually lasts for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and persistent this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by unprecedented fall precipitation that resulted in the ground saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains soaked the ground.
• Outcome: Prolonged and dense mist formation.
• Effect: Temperatures remained unseasonably low for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

Turning to Spain, a powerful storm has brought intense rain, strong winds and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the system brought some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snowfall, fierce winds from the north buffeted the archipelago, with gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several islands. The effect of the storm is expected to ease this week with more seasonal conditions returning.