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

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Throughout Multiple States

These conditions follow recent bushfires in another state, which resulted in the loss of properties and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have also been issued for later this week in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure shifts eastward, bringing blazing heat to much of the region.

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

Global Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into darkness recently after powerful winds damaged the urban electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also caused major transport delays at a key airport, where numerous air services were grounded. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to cause further problems as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Fog Covers Typically Clear Region

Meanwhile, a region known for its clear skies and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its dullest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A specific type of fog, which typically lasts for only a few days, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, keeping the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn precipitation that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Record fall rains saturated the ground.
• Result: Extended and dense mist formation.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an extended time.

Storm Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Islands

Turning to Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rain, strong gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – weather many would not connect with this favored tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at elevated areas, the system delivered some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snow, fierce winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph observed on multiple locations. The effect of the storm is forecast to diminish this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.