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Extreme heat and intense wildfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures expected to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major heatwave warning has been issued across a large portion of the south-west.

Widespread Heatwave Warnings Throughout the Region

This situation come after recent bushfires in another state, which caused the destruction of homes and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for later this week in areas within SA and NSW, as a system of high pressure moves eastward, delivering intense sunshine to a broad swath of the area.

The mix of extremely dry land and relentless heat creates a volatile situation for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was left in darkness recently after strong gusts compromised the urban electrical network, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The weather conditions also caused significant transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Severe impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause ongoing problems as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Fog Blankets Typically Clear Area

Meanwhile, a valley famed for its clear skies and plentiful sunshine has experienced one of its grayest and most overcast weeks on recorded history. A specific type of fog, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The prolonged haze has been fuelled by unprecedented fall precipitation that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall soaked the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and thick fog formation.
• Effect: Temperatures remained unseasonably low for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Tourist Islands

Turning to Spain, a powerful storm has brought heavy rainfall, powerful winds and even snowfall to a group 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 since 2016 to a national park, forcing its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snowfall, fierce winds from the north buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple locations. The effect of the weather event is expected to diminish this week with more seasonal conditions returning.