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Scorching conditions and raging bushfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures forecast to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major heatwave warning has been declared across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Across Multiple States

These conditions come after this month's fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the destruction of properties and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have also been issued for later this week in areas within SA and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure moves eastward, bringing intense heat to much of the area.

The combination of extremely dry land and relentless high temperatures presents a volatile scenario for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was left in darkness recently after powerful winds compromised the city’s electrical network, with toppled trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also led to major travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause further issues as service providers scramble to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Covers Typically Clear Area

Meanwhile, a valley known for its sunny weather and abundant sunlight has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest periods on recorded history. A specific type of fog, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The prolonged haze has been driven by exceptional autumn precipitation that left the ground saturated.

• Key Factor: Record autumn rainfall soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and dense fog development.
• Impact: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an extended time.

Severe Weather Brings Snow to Tourist Islands

Turning to Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rain, strong gales and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this popular tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the system brought some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snow, strong northerly winds swept across the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several locations. The effect of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more typical conditions returning.