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Extreme heat and intense wildfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels forecast to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Extreme Heat Alerts Across the Region

This situation come after recent bushfires in New South Wales, which caused the destruction of homes and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have additionally been activated for later this week in parts of SA and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure moves eastward, delivering intense heat to a broad swath of the region.

The mix of tinder-dry vegetation and unbroken high temperatures presents a volatile scenario for firefighters.

Global Climatic Events Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a metropolis was plunged into blackout last week after strong gusts compromised the city’s electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also caused significant travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous air services were grounded. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause further problems as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million residents.

Unusual Fog Covers Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a region famed for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has endured one of its dullest and most overcast weeks on record. A specific type of low cloud, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a major airport below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged haze has been fuelled by unprecedented fall rainfall that resulted in soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional autumn rainfall saturated the soil.
• Result: Prolonged and dense mist development.
• Effect: Temperatures remained below average for an extended time.

Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Islands

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

Alongside the snow, fierce northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on several locations. The influence of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more typical weather returning.