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Scorching conditions and intense bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the south-west.

Widespread Heatwave Alerts Throughout the Region

These conditions follow recent fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of properties and loss of life. Severe heat alerts have additionally been activated for the coming days in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, bringing blazing heat to a broad swath of the area.

The mix of tinder-dry vegetation and relentless heat presents a dangerous situation for emergency crews.

Global Climatic Events Trigger Chaos

In another part of the world, a metropolis was left in darkness recently after strong gusts compromised the urban power grid, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also caused significant transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Substantial impact on power systems is expected to create further problems as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Covers Sunny Region

Meanwhile, a valley known for its clear skies and abundant sunlight has experienced one of its dullest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a short time, has been unusually widespread and long-lasting 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 fuelled by unprecedented fall rainfall that left soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record autumn rainfall saturated the ground.
• Outcome: Prolonged and dense mist development.
• Impact: Thermal readings remained below average for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

And in Spain, a weather system has ushered in heavy rainfall, powerful winds and even snow to a group of islands – weather many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the system delivered some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, compelling its closure.

Alongside the snowfall, fierce northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The influence of the storm is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.