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Extreme heat and intense wildfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels forecast to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Across the Region

This situation come after recent fires in another state, which resulted in the loss of properties and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have additionally been activated for the coming days in areas within South Australia and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure shifts to the east, bringing intense sunshine to a broad swath of the area.

The combination of tinder-dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures presents a dangerous situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Climatic Events Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a metropolis was left in darkness recently after powerful gusts compromised the urban power grid, with toppled trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also caused major transport delays at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to cause ongoing problems as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Fog Covers Sunny Region

At the same time, a region famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on record. A specific type of fog, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been unusually widespread and persistent this year, holding temperatures at a key transport hub under 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The prolonged haze has been fuelled by exceptional autumn rainfall that left the ground waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains soaked the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and dense mist development.
• Effect: Temperatures remained unseasonably low for an extended period.

Storm Brings Snow to Tourist Destination

Turning to Spain, a weather system has ushered in heavy rainfall, powerful winds and even snowfall to a set of islands – conditions many would not associate with this popular tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at higher ground, the system brought some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, strong northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on several locations. The effect of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.