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

Broad Heatwave Alerts Across the Region

These conditions come after recent fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of properties and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have additionally been issued for later this week in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure moves to the east, delivering blazing sunshine to much of the area.

The combination of tinder-dry land and relentless heat creates a volatile situation for emergency crews.

Global Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into blackout last week after strong winds compromised the urban electrical network, with toppled trees bringing down electricity cables. The stormy weather also led to major travel disruption at a major airport, where numerous air services were grounded. Severe impact on power systems is anticipated to cause ongoing issues as service providers scramble to restore power to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Mist Blankets Typically Clear Region

Meanwhile, a valley known for its clear skies and abundant sunlight has endured one of its grayest and foggiest periods on record. A specific type of fog, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The extended fog has been fuelled by exceptional fall precipitation that resulted in soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and thick fog formation.
• Impact: Thermal readings remained below average for an extended period.

Storm Delivers Snow to Tourist Destination

And in Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rain, powerful gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not connect with this favored holiday destination. While snow is not unheard of at higher ground, the system delivered some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snow, fierce northerly winds swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph observed on several islands. The effect of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.