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Extreme heat and intense bushfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major heatwave warning has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Heatwave Alerts Throughout Multiple States

These conditions follow this month's bushfires in another state, which resulted in the loss of homes and loss of life. Intense heatwave warnings have also been issued for later this week in parts of SA and NSW, as a system of atmospheric pressure moves to the east, bringing intense sunshine to much of the region.

The mix of extremely dry land and relentless heat creates a volatile scenario for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

In another part of the world, a metropolis was plunged into darkness last week after powerful winds damaged the city’s power grid, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also caused major transport delays at a major airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is anticipated to create ongoing problems as service providers work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Fog Blankets Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a region famed for its clear skies and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its grayest and most overcast weeks on recorded history. A specific type of fog, which typically lingers for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by unprecedented fall rainfall that left soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Record fall rains saturated the ground.
• Outcome: Extended and dense mist development.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed below average for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Destination

And in Spain, a weather system has brought heavy rainfall, strong winds and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not associate with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the storm brought some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snow, strong winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on several locations. The effect of the weather event is expected to diminish this week with more typical weather returning.