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Scorching conditions and intense bushfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures forecast to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the south-west.

Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout Multiple States

This situation follow this month's fires in New South Wales, which caused the loss of properties and loss of life. Intense heat alerts have also been activated for later this week in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure moves eastward, delivering blazing heat to much of the area.

The combination of extremely dry land and unbroken heat presents a dangerous situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was plunged into darkness last week after powerful winds compromised the city’s power grid, with toppled trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also led to significant travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Substantial impact on power systems is anticipated to create ongoing issues as utility companies scramble to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Unusual Mist Covers Sunny Area

At the same time, a region famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunlight has experienced one of its grayest and foggiest periods on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and persistent this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The extended haze has been driven by unprecedented fall precipitation that left the ground saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains soaked the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and dense fog formation.
• Impact: Temperatures remained below average for an lengthy period.

Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

Turning to Spain, a weather system has ushered in heavy rainfall, powerful winds and even snowfall to a group of islands – weather many would not connect with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at higher ground, the system brought some of the heaviest snow depths in 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snow, fierce winds from the north swept across the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several islands. The influence of the storm is expected to ease this week with more typical weather taking hold.