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Extreme heat and intense wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major heatwave warning has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout the Region

These conditions follow recent fires in New South Wales, which caused the loss of properties and fatalities. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for the coming days in areas within South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts eastward, bringing intense heat to a broad swath of the area.

The combination of tinder-dry land and relentless high temperatures creates a dangerous situation for emergency crews.

Global Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into darkness recently after strong winds damaged the urban electrical network, with toppled trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also led to major travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Substantial impact on power systems is anticipated to create ongoing problems as utility companies work urgently to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Unusual Mist Covers Sunny Area

Meanwhile, a valley famed for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has endured one of its grayest and foggiest periods on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which usually lasts for only a few days, has been unusually widespread and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a major airport below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The extended fog has been driven by unprecedented autumn rainfall that resulted in soils saturated.

• Key Factor: Exceptional autumn rainfall soaked the soil.
• Result: Prolonged and dense mist formation.
• Impact: Thermal readings remained below average for an extended period.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Islands

And in Spain, a weather system has brought heavy rainfall, strong gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at higher ground, the system brought some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snow, strong winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on several islands. The effect of the storm is forecast to ease this week with more typical weather returning.