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Scorching conditions and raging wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures forecast to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Broad Heatwave Warnings Throughout Multiple States

These conditions come after recent bushfires in New South Wales, which caused the destruction of properties and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have also been activated for the coming days in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure shifts to the east, delivering intense sunshine to much of the area.

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

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into darkness recently after powerful winds damaged the city’s electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also caused major travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Severe damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to create further issues as service providers scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million residents.

Unusual Mist Blankets Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a region famed for its clear skies and plentiful sunlight has endured one of its dullest and most overcast periods on record. A specific type of fog, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and persistent this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by exceptional autumn precipitation that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record autumn rainfall soaked the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and thick fog development.
• Effect: Thermal readings remained unseasonably low for an extended time.

Storm Delivers Snow to Holiday Islands

And in Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rainfall, powerful gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – weather many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the storm brought some of the heaviest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snow, fierce northerly winds swept across the archipelago, with gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on several locations. The influence of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal conditions returning.